Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798
Ennomos subsignaria
This record describes Ennomos subsignaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pure white except for yellow branches on bipectinate antennae. [of the males] Easily separated from other all-white species by angled outer margin of FW. [description by Charles Covell ] Some individuals have a significant amount of green coloring on the wings and legs and sometimes part of the antennae: Telenomous alsophilae is a parasite. Calosoma scrutator will voraciously consume the larvae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Ennomini
- Genus
- Ennomos
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
from Texas to Alberta and east to the Atlantic
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in July and August, earlier (late April-June) in Texas and southern states larvae present from May to July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on elm, apple, birch, maple, and oak
Life History
One generation a year Overwinter as eggs Young larvae feed on the lower surfaces of leaves, producing shot-hole effects. Older ones eat the entire leaf except the midrib and petiole. When ready to pupate, they spin coarse, net-like cocoons of silken threads often on partially eaten leaves. Eggs, larva, larva, pupa, adult male, adult female:
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ennomos subsignaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , anitagould , Jason D. Roberts , Chuck Sexton , KenW , Marci Hess , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798
What is Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798?
Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 (Ennomos subsignaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798?
wingspan in the 35-40 mm range (BG images)
How do you identify Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798?
Pure white except for yellow branches on bipectinate antennae. [of the males] Easily separated from other all-white species by angled outer margin of FW. [description by Charles Covell ] Some individuals have a significant amount of green coloring on the wings and legs and sometimes part of the antennae:
Where is Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 found?
Range: from Texas to Alberta and east to the Atlantic
What does Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 eat?
The diet of the Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 includes Larvae feed on elm, apple, birch, maple, and oak.
When is Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798 active?
Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798: seasonal activity - adults fly in July and August, earlier (late April-June) in Texas and southern states larvae present from May to July.
What is the life cycle of a Elm Spanworm - Hodges#6798?
One generation a year Overwinter as eggs Young larvae feed on the lower surfaces of leaves, producing shot-hole effects. Older ones eat the entire leaf except the midrib and petiole. When ready to pupate, they spin coarse, net-like cocoons of silken threads often on partially eaten leaves. Eggs, larva, larva, pupa, adult male, adult female: