Lambdina fervidaria
(Hübner, [1831])
curve-lined looper, spring hemlock looper, curved-lined looper moth
Lambdina fervidaria is a geometrid found in eastern North America. have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm and are active from May to August. The has two recognized with slightly different plant preferences. Larvae feed on hardwood trees including oaks and ashes, while the subspecies L. f. athasaria specializes on conifers such as balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lambdina fervidaria: /læmˈdaɪnə fɜrˈvɪdəriə/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from similar loopers by its specific wing pattern and period. The L. f. athasaria is associated with coniferous forests, while the nominate subspecies occurs in deciduous . fly from May to August, with timing varying by location.
Images
Habitat
Found in deciduous and mixed forests. The nominate occurs in hardwood-dominated areas, while L. f. athasaria inhabits coniferous forests with balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and eastern United States south to Georgia.
Seasonality
fly from May to August, with exact timing depending on geographic location.
Diet
Larvae feed on Quercus (oak) and Fraxinus (ash). The L. f. athasaria feeds on Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Picea (spruce), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock).
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on forest trees. The L. f. athasaria is a documented for the ichneumonid Pimpla sanguinipes (also known as Coccygomimus sanguinipes).
Human Relevance
L. f. athasaria has been studied as a forest pest on conifers. The serves as a for used in .
Similar Taxa
- Lambdina punctataSimilar looper ; distinguished by association and distribution patterns.
- Other Lambdina speciesRequire examination of genitalia or plant records for definitive identification.