Melanolophia canadaria

Melanolophia canadaria
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Genus:	Melanolophia
Species:	M. canadaria
Binomial name
Melanolophia canadaria (Guenée, 1857)[1]
Synonyms
Tephrosia canadaria Guenée, 1857 Melanolophia carbonata Cassino & Swett, 1923

Melanolophia canadaria, the Canadian melanolophia, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1857. They are on wing from March to September in two generations per year and overwinter as larvae.[2]

Description

The wingspan is 30–36 mm. Adults have dark brown or brown mottled wings, all four of which are visible and held open when the moth is at rest.[3] A line across both hindwings which forms a v-shaped dark patch is a distinguishing feature of the species.[4]

Range and Habitat

It is found in North America from Florida to Nova Scotia, west to Saskatchewan and south to Texas.[5] They are most commonly observed in wooded areas and shrublands.[6]

Ecology

The larvae feed on the leaves of Betula, Ulmus, Acer, Quercus, Pinus and Prunus species.

Subspecies

• Melanolophia canadaria crama Rindge, 1964
• Melanolophia canadaria choctawae Rindge, 1964

References

1. Savela, Markku. "Melanolophia canadaria (Guenée, 1857)". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
2. "Species Melanolophia canadaria - Canadian Melanolophia - Hodges#6620". bugguide.net. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
3. "Melanolophia canadaria (Canadian Melanolophia)". Moth Guide.
4. "Species Melanolophia canadaria - Canadian Melanolophia - Hodges#6620". bugguide.net. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
5. McLeod, Robin (January 11, 2019). "Species Melanolophia canadaria - Canadian Melanolophia - Hodges#6620". BugGuide. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
6. "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-12-31.