Macaria oweni
(Swett, 1907)
Owen's larch looper, Owen's angle moth, Owen's Angle
Macaria oweni is a small geometrid native to northern North America. The is specialized on tamarack (Larix laricina) as a larval . are active during early summer, with a single . The moth was first described from specimens collected in New England.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macaria oweni: /məˈkɛəriə ˈoʊwəni/
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Identification
The is recognized by its small size (23 mm wingspan), early summer period (June to mid-July), and strong association with tamarack stands. Distinguishing features from such as Macaria adonis or Macaria signaria require examination of genitalia or wing pattern details not fully specified in general sources.
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Habitat
Associated with tamarack (Larix laricina) wetlands and forested peatlands. Distribution closely tracks the range of its tree in northern and hemiboreal zones.
Distribution
North America: Newfoundland west to west-central Alberta; south in the eastern portion of range to northern New England. Canadian provincial records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. United States records include Vermont.
Seasonality
active from June to mid-July in Alberta. Single per year ().
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on Larix laricina (tamarack/eastern larch). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Larix laricina - larval sole documented plant
Life Cycle
One per year. stage not explicitly documented, but likely as pupa given typical geometrid . Larval development occurs on tamarack foliage.
Behavior
Larvae are folivorous on tamarack. is not documented in detail.
Ecological Role
herbivore on tamarack; contributes to nutrient cycling in wetland forest . may be influenced by tamarack availability and wetland hydrology.
Human Relevance
Not a significant economic pest. Of interest to forest entomologists and lepidopterists studying wetland-associated fauna. Documented in USDA Forest Service caterpillar surveys for northeastern conifers.
Similar Taxa
- Macaria adonisSimilar size and ; distinguished by wing pattern and genitalia
- Macaria signariaOverlapping range; requires detailed examination for separation
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Sciagraphia oweni by Louis W. Swett in 1907. Has been treated under the Semiothisa in some literature.