Hodges#7769

Hyalophora gloveri

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Saturniidae
Subfamily: Saturniinae
Tribe: Attacini
Genus: Hyalophora
Species: gloveri

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyalophora gloveri: /haɪəˈlɒfəra ɡˈloʊvəri/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Hyalophora gloveri 311248853 by John Gaskin. Used under a CC0 license.

Hyalophora gloveri 307426512 by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Hyalophora gloveri 292353518 by Matthew Gerke. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hyalophora gloveri 216102447 by Ben Smith. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hyalophora gloveri 299133139 by Jeff Birek. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hyalophora gloveri 292353339 by Matthew Gerke. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Hyalophora gloveri, or Glover's silk moth, is a moth of the Saturniidae family first described in 1872. It occupies parts of the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian prairies, and regions of northern Mexico. While considered a subspecies of Hyalophora columbia by some authorities, distinct populations exist with notable variations in morphology and behavior depending on geographical location.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan is about 100 mm. Specimens may display extensive reddish-burgundy coloration especially in warmer conditions, varied shape and size of discal crescents, and presence of red postmedial band. There are also differing physical traits observed in populations across regions (e.g. the 'nokomis' and 'reducta' forms).

Identification Tips

Adults can be identified by their size, wing coloration, and the distinct patterns that include red scaling along postmedial bands in certain variations. Comparison with closely related species like Hyalophora cecropia and H. columbia may provide clarity on identification.

Habitat

Typically found in alpine and riparian zones, scattered among adjacent suitable habitats, including foothills and western prairies.

Distribution

Found along the eastern and western slopes of the Rockies and Great Plains, north to Canada and south into Mexico. Populations may extend into the western Great Basin, extending into the Sierra Nevadas and Cascades. Spurious populations can be found in the western Plains and foothills of the Rockies.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on various woody plants including species of the Rosaceae family such as Prunus spp., as well as willows, alder, and other shrubs. Observed host plants include chokecherry, sandbar willow, Australian green willow, and many others.

Life Cycle

Typically undergoes a holometabolous life cycle with one generation per year, although some populations may exhibit bivoltinism based on habitat conditions. Life cycle spans from egg to adult from April to September, with adults flying primarily from May to June.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid singly or in groups on or near host plant leaves. Hatching occurs within 8 to 19 days, and the species overwinters as a pupa in a teardrop-shaped cocoon attached to the host plant.

Evolution

Hyalophora gloveri may represent divergent populations that possibly hold distinct taxonomic status within the 'columbia species group'. Relationships and distinctions among gloveri, columbia, and euryalus are subjects of ongoing research. Potential evidence suggests that some populations may represent ancient hybrids or distinct subspecies.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some specimens thought to be distinct forms (e.g., 'nokomis' and 'reducta') may actually represent environmentally induced traits rather than separate subspecies. There is debate regarding the level of mixing and intergradation in overlapping populations.