Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290
Macaria loricaria
This record describes Macaria loricaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A pale grey geometrid with indistinct markings. AM, PM and median dark lines usually present, the PM widest and slighltly darker. Patchy brown band distal to the PM band variably developed. Discal spot usually well-defined. Hindwings paler than the forewings, PM band usually visible. Females have vestigial wings and are flightless.
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
Generally common in mixedwood and deciduous forests
Geographic Range
Alaska to Newfoundland and New York, south to Colorado.
Seasonal Activity
Late June to late July, peaking in mid July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The principal larval host is trembling aspen.
Life History
Larva; larva; adult male; adult female
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Macaria loricaria. 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 Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ian Maton; Additional contributions by marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290
What is Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290?
Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 (Macaria loricaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290?
A pale grey geometrid with indistinct markings. AM, PM and median dark lines usually present, the PM widest and slighltly darker. Patchy brown band distal to the PM band variably developed. Discal spot usually well-defined. Hindwings paler than the forewings, PM band usually visible. Females have vestigial wings and are flightless.
Where is Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Generally common in mixedwood and deciduous forests |
| Range | Alaska to Newfoundland and New York, south to Colorado. |
What does Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 eat?
The diet of the Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 includes The principal larval host is trembling aspen..
When is Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290 active?
Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290: seasonal activity - Late June to late July, peaking in mid July.
What is the life cycle of a Speranza loricaria - Hodges#6290?
Larva; larva; adult male; adult female