Macaria brunneata
(Thunberg, 1784)
Rannoch looper
Macaria brunneata, the Rannoch looper, is a day-flying geometrid with a distinctive resting posture. The shows a disjunct distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in and montane regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Britain, it is highly localized to mature pine forests in central Scotland. The caterpillars feed on Ericaceae, particularly Vaccinium species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macaria brunneata: /məˈkɛəriə bruːˈniːətə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Macaria and geometrids by its -like resting posture with wings closed vertically. Day-flying is unusual among geometrids and aids field recognition. In Britain, restricted to central Scottish pine forests, which limits confusion with other regional species.
Images
Appearance
Small to medium-sized geometrid with wingspan 25–30 mm and forewing length 11–13 mm. At rest, wings are held closed vertically over the body, resembling a rather than the typical flat-winged posture of most geometrids. Wing coloration and pattern details are not specified in available sources.
Habitat
Mature coniferous forests, particularly pine woodlands. In Britain, largely or entirely restricted to mature forests in central Scotland. In North America, found in northern and mountainous regions. Associated with supporting Ericaceae plants.
Distribution
and temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere: Siberia, Japan, northern and mountainous parts of North America, and throughout Europe. In Britain, highly localized to central Scotland.
Seasonality
fly during the day. In Britain: June and July. In North America: July and August.
Diet
Larvae feed on Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) in Britain. In North America, feeds on Vaccinium and other Ericaceae including Arctostaphylos (bearberry). diet not specified.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium myrtillus - larval food plantprimary in Britain
- Arctostaphylos - larval food plantbearberry and other Ericaceae in North America
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific details not documented in available sources.
Behavior
activity is notable and atypical for Geometridae. When at rest, holds wings closed vertically over the body in a -like posture.
Ecological Role
Herbivore in larval stage, consuming Ericaceae foliage. Specific ecological interactions not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Subject of conservation interest in Britain due to restricted range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Macaria speciesSimilar wing patterns and size, but M. brunneata distinguished by activity and vertical wing posture at rest
More Details
Conservation status
In Britain, the highly restricted distribution to central Scottish pine forests suggests potential vulnerability to loss or fragmentation, though formal conservation status not specified in sources.