Appearance
The wingspan is 15–23 mm for males and 18–27 mm for females. Adults are on wing year round in warmer areas, but usually from August to May in South Africa. At higher altitudes adults are on wing in December and January.It is brown with a fine black edge interlaced with white and a very thin tail. The underside is grey-brown with dark bands.
Distribution
The species is native of South Africa. It has, however, been introduced to Mediterranean Europe, where it has spread as a pest of cultivated "Pelargonium" geraniums, which also originate in South Africa.It was first recorded in the United Kingdom in Sussex in 1997, and has been recorded several times since. In the UK, all sightings should be reported to DEFRA.
It appeared in Malta on March/April 2007. The first location that established itself was at San Gwann but in a few months took all over the island. Recently it has also been spotted in Mġarr, Xagħra, Gozo and in katerini of greece.
Food
The caterpillar feeds on cultivated "Pelargonium" geraniums.References:
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