Drepanulatrix

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Geometroidea
Family: Geometridae
Subfamily: Ennominae
Tribe: Caberini
Genus: Drepanulatrix

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Drepanulatrix: //ˌdrɛpəˈnjuːlætrɪks//

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

Images

Drepanulatrix falcataria by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Drepanulatrix falcataria1 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Drepanulatrix falcataria2 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Drepanulatrix falcataria, -26072, Determined John L. Sperry, Laytonville, California. 18 March 1949, R.F. Sternitzky (49550574203) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Drepanulatrix foeminaria by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Drepanulatrix foeminaria, -26073, Determined Jim Johnson, Wallace, Idaho. 21 May 1942, O. Huellemann (49550568383) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Drepanulatrix is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, characterized by adult moths with varied wing colors and larvae that exclusively feed on the leaves of New Jersey Tea plants. The genus has a total of 12 species in North America, where they can be found in habitats conducive to their larval food sources.

Physical Characteristics

Adults exhibit forewing color variation from pale yellowish to yellowish-pink to dark brown or gray, with some species having distinctive lines, spots, or shading. The apex may be slightly falcate in some species. Hindwings are usually paler and unmarked or have faint speckling. Eggs are white, yellow, or light green initially, later mottled with orange-red; they are elliptical, dorsoventrally flattened, with numerous longitudinal ridges.

Identification Tips

Look for the varying forewing colors and the slightly falcate apex in adults. Eggs have a distinctive elliptical shape with a truncate end and surface ridges.

Habitat

Found mainly in areas where New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus spp.) is present, as this is the primary food source for the larvae.

Distribution

Drepanulatrix is distributed in North America, with 12 species reported in total, including 6 species in Canada.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus spp.).

Life Cycle

Details of the specific life cycle stages are not mentioned, but it includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Specific reproduction details are not provided, but reproduction generally occurs through egg-laying by the adult moths.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, the larvae play a role in the ecosystem by consuming foliage and serving as prey for other organisms.