Phigalia denticulata
Hulst, 1900
Toothed Phigalia Moth
Phigalia denticulata, the toothed phigalia, is a geometrid found in eastern North America. Males have a wingspan of 30–37 mm. are active in late winter and early spring, with southern appearing from December through April and northern populations from late March to April. The has been recorded from Ontario and New York south to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, with additional records from Utah.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phigalia denticulata: /faɪˈɡeɪliə ˌdɛntɪkjʊˈleɪtə/
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Identification
Males can be distinguished from similar Phigalia by wing , though specific diagnostic characters are not detailed in available sources. The species is part of a group of early spring geometrid moths that includes Phigalia strigataria (Small Phigalia), which has a nearly identical and distribution. Accurate identification may require examination of genitalia or reference to specialized lepidopteran keys.
Images
Appearance
Males have a wingspan of 30–37 mm. Detailed description of coloration and pattern is not available in the provided sources.
Distribution
Eastern North America: from Ontario and New York south to Florida, west to Texas, north to Missouri. Disjunct records from Utah.
Seasonality
active December to April in the southern part of the range; late March to April in the north. This winter–early spring period is characteristic of the .
Diet
Larvae probably feed on leaves of deciduous trees. Specific plant records are not documented.
Life Cycle
Overwinters as pupa. emerge in late winter to early spring. One per year.
Behavior
are attracted to light. Like other geometrid moths, males are winged while females of some related are wingless; female condition in P. denticulata is not explicitly stated in sources.
Similar Taxa
- Phigalia strigatariaSmall Phigalia has nearly identical , geographic distribution, and temporal distribution, making visual separation difficult without close examination.
- Paleacrita vernataSpring Cankerworm shares the same winter–early spring period, eastern North American range, and wingless female condition (in P. vernata), though it belongs to a different within Geometridae.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'denticulata' refers to small tooth-like structures, likely describing a feature of the wing margins or genitalia.
Taxonomic History
Described by George D. Hulst in 1900.