Identification
Males have an even brownish grey forewing with jagged white and dark PM and AM lines, occasionally with a visible dark discal spot. The hindwings are light grey, with a dark discal spot and a faint pale PM line. The females are wingless and stout-bodied, looking very unlike a lepidopteran. (AEC)
Habitat
Wooded areas including city parks, ornamental plantations and shelter belts. (AEC)
Season
Fall through early winter
Food
Larvae feed on a large variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, especially elm (Ulmus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), and maple (Acer spp.). (AEC)
Life Cycle
The larvae are often a serious pest of many tree species elsewhere, although it rarely reaches densities high enough to do damage in Alberta. The eggs are laid in clusters on tree branches and trunks by the wingless females and hatch the following spring, synchronized with the flush of leaves. There are four larval stages, which are described in detail by McGuffin (1988). Larvae pupate in the soil and delay their emergence until fall, spending about four summer months as a pupa. Females in at least some populations are able to reproduce parthenogenetically (without mating). (McGuffin 1988). (AEC)
Contributed by
Tony-2 on 31 October, 2005 - 1:10pm
Additional contributions by
J.D. RobertsLast updated 17 February, 2008 - 1:17pm
