Hyalophora gloveri
Strecker, 1872
Glover's silkmoth
Hyalophora gloveri is a large silkmoth in the Saturniidae, first described by Strecker in 1872. The occurs across western North America from the Rocky Mountains through the northern Great Plains and Canadian prairie provinces. Its taxonomic status remains debated; several authorities treat it as a of Hyalophora columbia. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: H. g. gloveri and H. g. nokomis. have a wingspan of approximately 100 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyalophora gloveri: /haɪəˈlɒfəra ɡˈloʊvəri/
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Identification
Distinguished from related Hyalophora by geographic range and, in the case of nokomis, by larval characteristics (yellow thoracic versus red in typical H. columbia). Northwestern Ontario show intermediate characteristics suggesting intergradation with H. columbia. may be difficult to distinguish from H. columbia without geographic context; the species is frequently treated as with H. columbia by some authorities.
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Habitat
Occurs in Rocky Mountain states, western northern Great Plains, and Canadian prairie provinces. Specific requirements not detailed in available sources. Associated with plants including Shepherdia argentea, Elaeagnus angustifolia, and Salix .
Distribution
Rocky Mountain states of the United States, western parts of the northern Great Plains, Canadian prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) northwest to at least central Alberta, and northern Mexico. nokomis occurs as far east as Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Seasonality
active in June based on field observation. Specific period or voltinism not documented in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed on Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry), Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive), and Salix (willows). Northwestern Ontario are not strictly larch feeders, unlike typical H. columbia.
Host Associations
- Shepherdia argentea - larval food plantsilver buffaloberry
- Elaeagnus angustifolia - larval food plantRussian olive
- Salix - larval food plantwillow
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larval development includes at least five instars. Fifth instar larvae of nokomis characterized by yellow thoracic . Detailed timing and stage not specified in available sources.
Behavior
attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night. No other specific documented in available sources.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on woody plants. Specific functions not documented in available sources.
Human Relevance
Collected for scientific study and personal collections. Subject of taxonomic research regarding boundaries with H. columbia. No economic importance documented.
Similar Taxa
- Hyalophora columbiaFrequently treated as ; H. gloveri has been considered a of H. columbia by several authorities. Northwestern Ontario show intergradation with H. columbia. Typical H. columbia larvae have red thoracic and are strictly larch feeders, unlike H. gloveri nokomis which has yellow tubercles and broader range.
- Hyalophora cecropiaUsed in hybridization studies with H. gloveri; matings between northwestern Ontario H. gloveri-like males and H. cecropia females produced larvae with variable colors.
Misconceptions
The has been treated as a of Hyalophora columbia by several authorities, leading to potential confusion in identification and distribution records. The northwestern Ontario was initially identified as H. columbia but later recognized as showing characteristics of H. gloveri nokomis.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
Considered a of Hyalophora columbia by several authorities, though treated as a distinct by others. The existence of intergrade in northwestern Ontario supports close relationship with H. columbia.
Subspecies
Two recognized: Hyalophora gloveri gloveri and Hyalophora gloveri nokomis. The latter occurs as far east as Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is characterized by yellow thoracic in larvae.
Genetic Research
Northwestern Ontario have been subject to hybridization studies with H. cecropia and H. euryalis, revealing color in larval suggestive of from H. gloveri nokomis.