Antepione thisoaria
(Guenée, [1858])
Variable Antepione Moth, variable antepione
Antepione thisoaria is a geometrid found across eastern North America from Canada to Central America. display strong seasonal and in coloration, with spring individuals mottled brown and summer males bright yellow with reddish-brown shading. The is notable for its pointed wing margins and variable forewing pattern. Multiple occur in southern portions of its range, while northern are .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Antepione thisoaria: //ænˈtiːpi.oʊ.ni θɪs.oʊˈɛər.i.ə//
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Identification
Look for the combination of pointed wing margins and the dark triangular costal patch on the forewing. The seasonal color variation is distinctive: spring individuals are cryptic brown, while summer are yellow. Summer males can be distinguished from females by their reddish-brown shading. Similar geometrids lack the pronounced wing tip and costal patch combination.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Manitoba in Canada; United States from New England south and west to Gulf Coast states; Mexico (Michoacán); Central America ( Rica, Guatemala).
Seasonality
active April–May, with occasional records mid-March to mid-June; second period July–August, with occasional records September to mid-October. One in Canada; at least two generations southward.
Diet
Larvae feed on in Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Betulaceae, Ebenaceae, and Rosaceae. Recorded plants include Alnus rugosa (speckled alder), Physocarpus opulifolius (ninebark), and Prunus serotina (black cherry). diet not specified.
Life Cycle
Multivoltine in southern range (at least two ), in Canada. stage not specified in sources.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on woody shrubs and trees; likely serves as prey for birds, bats, and . Specific ecological functions not documented.