Metarranthis obfirmaria
(Hübner, [1823])
Yellow-washed Metarranthis
Metarranthis obfirmaria is a small geometrid of eastern North America. fly in spring and early summer, with larvae feeding on woody plants including blueberries, cherries, and oaks. The was originally described under the Epirranthis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metarranthis obfirmaria: /mɛ.təˈræn.θɪs ɒb.fɪrˈmɛr.i.ə/
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Identification
Wingspan 26–36 mm distinguishes it from larger geometrid . Spring period (late April to July) separates it from many summer-flying relatives. Specific wing pattern details needed for reliable field identification not available in sources.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America: Nova Scotia and southern Canada south to Georgia, west to Kansas. Vermont records confirmed.
Seasonality
active late April through July. Larval timing not specified.
Diet
Larvae feed on Vaccinium (blueberries), Prunus (cherries/plums), and Quercus (oaks). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium - larval foodplantspecific not indicated
- Prunus - larval foodplantspecific not indicated
- Quercus - larval foodplantspecific not indicated
Life Cycle
Complete with larval stage feeding on woody plants. and stage not specified in sources.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on woody plants; specific ecological impacts not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Metarranthis speciescongeneric share -level traits and require detailed examination for separation; specific distinguishing features not provided in sources
- Other spring-flying Geometridaeoverlap in period and general size range; wing pattern details needed for reliable separation
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Epirranthis obfirmaria before transfer to Metarranthis
Observation frequency
Over 1,200 observations documented on iNaturalist as of source date