Epimecis hortaria

Tulip-tree beauty
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Epimecis
Species: E. hortaria
Binomial name
Epimecis hortaria
(Fabricius, 1794)[1]

Epimecis hortaria, the tulip-tree beauty, is a species of Ennominae found in North America. It is found throughout New England south to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri.[2] They can be seen flying from late March to early October. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to lights.[3] The immature caterpillars can be found feeding on Magnolia, Asimina, Populus, Sassafras and Liriodendron.[4]

Identification

With a wingspan of 43–55 mm, E. hortaria is one of the larger Geometer moths.[5] There are two forms, one being "Dendraria" and the other being "Carbonaria". The Dendraria has a broader median with subterminal lines while the Carbonaria is darker with white edging.[3] The thick bodied caterpillar has a swollen 3rd thoracic segment. The caterpillar is grey to brown with darker markings, faint pinstripes and orange spiracles.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Epimecis hortaria Fabricius 1794". Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  2. 1 2 Evans, Arthur V. (2007). Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. p. 320. ISBN 978-1-4027-4153-1.
  3. 1 2 "Species Epimecis hortaria – Tulip-tree Beauty – Hodges#6599". Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  4. ↑ "Epimecis hortaria". Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  5. ↑ "Species Detail Butterflies and Moths of North America". Retrieved 2009-12-16.
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