Macrophya nigra

(Norton 1860)

Macrophya nigra is a in the whose larvae are specialized herbivores of turtlehead plants (Chelone spp.). Larval activity peaks in midsummer, with feeding damage capable of reducing plant reproductive output. The has been documented in Canada and is known to interact competitively with other herbivores sharing the same host plants.

Macrophya nigra by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.

Macrophya nigra by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macrophya nigra: /məˈkroʊfiə ˈnɪɡrə/

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Images

Habitat

Areas supporting turtlehead (Chelone spp.) plants; specific microhabitat requirements not documented.

Distribution

Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island. Distribution likely broader but not fully documented in available sources.

Seasonality

Larvae active in midsummer; timing of activity not specified in sources.

Diet

Herbivorous; feeds on turtlehead (Chelone spp.), including Chelone glabra and Chelone obliqua.

Host Associations

Chelone glabra - larval plant
Chelone obliqua - larval plant

Life Cycle

Larval stage occurs in midsummer; complete details not available from sources.

Behavior

Larvae defoliate plants, sometimes extensively. Feeding activity can indirectly affect other herbivores by reducing host plant availability.

Ecological Role

Herbivore that reduces reproductive output of turtlehead plants. Competitive interactions with checkerspot caterpillars (Euphydryas phaeton) occur when shared host plants become limited due to prior defoliation.

Similar Taxa

Tenthredo grandisShares turtlehead (Chelone spp.) plants and similar larval feeding ; co-occurs in same and may have similar .

More Details

Competitive interactions

Defoliation by M. nigra larvae can force prediapause checkerspot caterpillars (Euphydryas phaeton) to abandon plants and search for alternative food sources, demonstrating indirect -level effects of herbivory.