Digrammia subminiata

(Packard, 1873)

Vermilion Granite Moth, vermillion granite, dark-waved angle

A small geometrid of western North America, first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873. are active in late spring and summer. The is associated with willow .

Digrammia subminiata by (c) Donna Fernstrom, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Donna Fernstrom. Used under a CC-BY license.Digrammia subminiata1 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.Digrammia subminiata 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Digrammia subminiata: /dɪˈɡræmiə ˌsʌbmɪniˈɑːtə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Digrammia by combination of vermilion-reddish ground color with dark wavy transverse lines. The specific epithet "subminiata" (somewhat vermilion) distinguishes it from related species. Precise separation from Digrammia californiaria and D. muscariata requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis; these also occur in western North America and share granite- habits.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 20–25 mm. The "vermilion granite" suggests reddish coloration with a or mottled pattern; "dark-waved angle" indicates dark transverse lines and angled wing margins typical of many geometrids. Specific pattern details beyond these common name references are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with riparian and moist where willow (Salix) plants occur. Specific microhabitat preferences beyond host plant distribution are not documented.

Distribution

Western North America: British Columbia to Manitoba, south through Colorado to Arizona and California. Canadian provincial records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

active from late May to late July. Single-brooded with peak during mid-summer.

Diet

Larvae feed on Salix (willow) . feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Salix - larval food plantwillow

Behavior

; attracted to ultraviolet light sources. are active fliers during summer evenings.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on willows; contributes to as prey for birds, bats, and other . Specific ecological impacts are not quantified.

Human Relevance

No significant documented economic or cultural importance. Occasionally encountered by enthusiasts at blacklighting events in western North America.

Similar Taxa

  • Digrammia californiariaSimilar size, granite- appearance, and western North American distribution; distinguished by specific wing pattern details and genitalia
  • Digrammia muscariataOverlapping range and blacklight attraction; requires close examination to separate from D. subminiata

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet "subminiata" derives from Latin, meaning somewhat or slightly vermilion (red-orange), referring to the coloration. The "dark-waved angle" describes the wing pattern and shape.

Original Description

First described as Panagra subminiata by Packard in 1873, later transferred to Digrammia.

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Sources and further reading