Hodges#6654

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hypagyrtis unipunctata: /hɪˈpædʒɪrtɪs ˌjuːnɪˌpʌŋkˈtɑːtə/

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Summary

Hypagyrtis unipunctata, commonly known as the one-spotted variant moth or white spot, is a widely distributed moth known for its variable coloration. It thrives in deciduous and mixed woodlands, contributing significantly to the local ecosystem as its larvae serve as a food source for a variety of bird species.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 20-47 mm; highly variable coloration from yellowish-tan to orangish, mottled with white, brown, and blackish; scalloped hindwings; females usually larger with more deeply-scalloped hindwings; larva cylindrical with mottled grays and reddish-brown, lacking conspicuous warts or distinctive characters.

Identification Tips

Note the scalloped hindwing; variation in color and pattern is common; both sexes display a range of yellowish-tan to orangish colors with black lines and spots.

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed woods, typically found in Eastern and North Central North America and Eurasia.

Distribution

From Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas, northwest to British Columbia; also occurs in Eurasia.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of a wide range of deciduous trees such as alder, apple, ash, basswood, birch, cherry, dogwood, elm, fir, hazel, hickory, maple, oak, pine, poplar, rose, serviceberry, and willow.

Life Cycle

One to two generations per year; adults on wing from April to September, with June and July in northern regions; larvae overwinter exposed on tree bark and branches.

Reproduction

Females usually lay eggs on host plants; overwintering as larvae occurs primarily during the early instar stage.

Predators

Golden crowned kinglets are known to feed on caterpillars in winter.

Ecosystem Role

Important food source for wintering insectivorous birds; plays a role in the food web as both a herbivore at the larval stage and prey for various species at the adult stage.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Hand collecting from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Freezing
• Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Originally described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, this species shows significant morphological variability.

Similar Taxa

• Other moths in the family Geometridae

Misconceptions

The variability in coloration and pattern can confuse identification with other similar species of moths.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Geometridae
• moth
• Hypagyrtis unipunctata
• white spot