Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294
Macaria abruptata
This record describes Macaria abruptata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: forewing light yellowish-brown with blurry coalesced speckling; basal, AM, and PM lines diffuse brown; fragmented black patch midway along PM line is the only dark marking, and contrasts sharply against ground color; sharp-angled jog in PM line near costa; indistinct pale patch at apex; terminal area has slightly darker shading; hindwing similar but lacks black patch; discal spot small, blurry, faint; outer margins of all wings rounded, not angular or pointed Apparently a local or rare species with a restricted diet, short flight season, and limited distribution. Global status G4 as of 2003.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Macariini
- Genus
- Macaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
sandy riparian and lakeside areas where larval foodplant grows
Geographic Range
northeastern United States and adjacent Canada (Internet records from MD, MI, NY, ON, PA, QC, VA, WI)
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in June and July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of Common Ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius )
Life History
Larva; prepupal larva; pupa; adult; adult
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Macaria abruptata. 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 Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by anitagould , Maury Heiman , ceiseman , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294
What is Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294?
Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 (Macaria abruptata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294?
wingspan about 21-22 mm, based on three Internet photos
How do you identify Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294?
Adult: forewing light yellowish-brown with blurry coalesced speckling; basal, AM, and PM lines diffuse brown; fragmented black patch midway along PM line is the only dark marking, and contrasts sharply against ground color; sharp-angled jog in PM line near costa; indistinct pale patch at apex; terminal area has slightly darker shading; hindwing similar but lacks black patch; discal spot small, blurry, faint; outer margins of all wings rounded, not angular or pointed
Where is Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy riparian and lakeside areas where larval foodplant grows |
| Range | northeastern United States and adjacent Canada (Internet records from MD, MI, NY, ON, PA, QC, VA, WI) |
What does Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 eat?
The diet of the Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 includes larvae feed on leaves of Common Ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius ).
When is Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294 active?
Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294: seasonal activity - adults fly in June and July.
What is the life cycle of a Macaria abruptata - Hodges#6294?
Larva; prepupal larva; pupa; adult; adult