Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Malacosoma californica
Clisiocampa californica Packard, 1864
* phylogenetic sequence #224100
Explanation of Names
Malacosoma californicum (Packard, 1864)
Numbers
Six species in the genus found in North America north of Mexico and several subspecies have been described.
(1)Size
Forewing length 12-18 mm (Powell & Opler, 2009).
(1)Range
Southeastern Canada to New York and west to the Pacific Coast. More abundant in the West (Powell & Opler, 2009).
(1)Life Cycle
Egg mass on Red Alder (Alnus rubra) stem:
Eggs are laid in flattish, clasping masses on twigs and branches; they are covered with a light brown or grayish spumaline. The larvae construct tents similar to the eastern tent caterpillar.
(2)Remarks
The gender of
Malacosoma is neuter, so adjectivic species names ending -a are considered wrong spellings.
(3)Print References
Franclemont, J. G. 1973.
The Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 20.1. E.W. Classey Ltd. & R.B.D. Publications Inc.: p.78; pl.10.1-32.
(4)
Miller, J. C. & P. C. Hammond 2003. Lepidoptera of the Pacific Northwest: caterpillars and adults. FHTET-03-11: 1-323.
(5)
Packard, A. S. 1864. Synopsis of Bombycidae of the United States.
Proc. Ent. Soc. Philadelphia 3:
386
Powell, J.A. & P.A. Opler 2009.
Moths of Western North America. University of California Press, p.235, Pl.37.9
(1)