Digrammia californiaria

(Packard, 1871)

California granite moth, Californian granite

Digrammia californiaria, commonly known as the California granite moth or Californian granite, is a geometrid native to western North America. The was first described by Packard in 1871 and is part of the diverse Ennominae within Geometridae. It has been documented in blacklighting surveys in California, where it can occur in notable numbers during peak periods.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Digrammia californiaria: /dɪˈɡræmiə ˌkælɪˌfɔːrniˈɛəriə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from the similar Digrammia muscariata by subtle wing pattern differences; both are referred to as 'granite moths' due to their mottled gray-brown coloration resembling granite rock. Positive identification often requires examination of genitalia or reference to the MONA/Hodges number 6380.

Distribution

Western North America. Documented in California (including Davis area), Alberta, and Saskatchewan. GBIF records confirm presence in Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States.

Seasonality

have been recorded in July during blacklighting events in California. One observer reported record numbers in a single year, with 15 individuals recorded on one night and 9 on another night in July.

Diet

Larvae have been reported to feed on Lotus . The complete plant range remains poorly documented.

Host Associations

  • Lotus - larval primary documented ; other host plants may exist

Behavior

; attracted to ultraviolet light sources. fly to blacklighting displays, where they have been observed in .

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science documentation through blacklighting events and National Week activities. Not considered an agricultural pest.

Similar Taxa

  • Digrammia muscariataBoth are 'granite moths' with similar mottled gray-brown appearance; occur in same region and , often found together at blacklighting stations

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Macaria californiaria by Packard in 1871; later transferred to Digrammia.

Research significance

Documented by entomologist John De Benedictis in long-term blacklighting studies in Davis, California, contributing to regional biodiversity records.

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Sources and further reading