Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Ecliptopera silaceata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Phylogenetic Sequence # 910049
Numbers
There is only one species in this genus in North America.
(1)Size
forewing length 1.4 - 1.6 cm
(2)Identification
Adult - forewing blackish or dark brownish-gray with fine white lines; AM and subterminal areas pale, whitish mixed with gray markings; PM line double, with two scallops in lower half (bearing white lines that sometimes connect to AM line); ST line zigzag, containing several blackish triangles that diminish in size toward inner margin; hindwing whitish at base with dark discal spot; grayer distally, with traces of pale lines bordered with dark scales; fringe gray with blackish scales at ends of veins
adult moths identified by DNA analysis:
(3)
Larva - pale yellow or pink and have a gray green or dark brown middorsal line that becomes broader on the posterior segments. Also, there are additional pink, yellow green, or dark brown lines. The thoratic legs are pink, whereas the prolegs are pink and green. The head is variably colored pale russet green or brown with a reddish brown or dark brown patch on each side
(2)Range
subspecies E. s albolineata occurs in North America from Newfoundland to Yukon, south in the west to California, south in the east to northeastern states
subspecies E. s silaceata occurs throughout Eurasia
Season
adults fly from May to August
Food
larvae feed on
impatiens and species of willowherb, especially
Fireweed (
Chamerion (=Epilobium) angustifolium)
See Also
The
Dark-banded Geometer (
Gandaritis atricolorata) forewing has black diagonal rectangle bordered with white, white lines descending from upper PM line to apical dash, and a more southern distribution. [doesn't occur in Canada]
In tribe Hydriomenini, check out most of the similar species, such as these:
Black-banded Carpet -
Antepirrhoe semiatrata
Print References
Powell, J. A., and P. A. Opler 2009. Moths of Western North America. Pl. 31.40m; p. 224.
(2)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults.
BOLD - Barcode of Life Data Systems - species account with collection map and photos of pinned adults.
live adult images plus description, foodplants, flight season (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
pinned adult image plus description, flight season, foodplants, similar species (Jeff Miller, Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands, USGS)
presence in California; list of 3 specimen records with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)
distribution in Canada list of provinces and territories (CBIF)
