Digrammia denticulata

(Grote, 1883)

Digrammia denticulata is a of geometrid first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It belongs to the Digrammia, which comprises North American granite moths. The species has been recorded from the Canadian prairie provinces and is part of the diverse Geometridae , commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented through blacklighting surveys.

Digrammia denticulata by (c) Jason Grant, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jason Grant. Used under a CC-BY license.

Digrammia denticulata1 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Digrammia denticulata: /dɪˈɡræmiə ˌdɛntɪkjʊˈlɑːtə/

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

Identification

May be distinguished from similar Digrammia by examination of wing pattern details and genitalia. The specific epithet "denticulata" refers to small tooth-like structures, likely describing markings on the wings. Accurate identification typically requires reference to specialized lepidopteran literature or dissection and comparison of genitalia structures.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Distribution records in North America are sparse and primarily based on specimen collections.

Behavior

; attracted to ultraviolet light sources. Has been documented through blacklighting surveys, a standard method for collecting nocturnal Lepidoptera.

Similar Taxa

Digrammia muscariataAnother Digrammia frequently recorded at blacklighting events in California; both species share similar preferences and , requiring careful examination for differentiation
Digrammia californiariaClosely related congeneric with overlapping range in western North America; both are attracted to UV light and may co-occur at blacklighting stations

More Details

Nomenclature

Originally described as Semiothisa denticulata by Grote in 1883 before transfer to Digrammia. The basionym Semiothisa denticulata is retained as a synonym.

Research Methods

Standard collection method for this involves blacklighting—using ultraviolet light to attract specimens to a white sheet, as practiced by lepidopterists studying North American diversity.