Tetracis cachexiata
Guenée, [1858]
White Slant-line, White Slaut
A -sized geometrid with marked by a slanted transverse . are active in late spring and early summer across much of North America. The exhibits broad polyphagy, with feeding on diverse including both angiosperms and conifers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tetracis cachexiata: //ˈtɛtɹəsɪs kækˈsiːɑːtə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Tetracis and similar geometrids by the single prominent slanted (not multiple lines or ). The specific epithet 'cachexiata' refers to this slanted appearance. Distinguished from the related Synaxis species (now synonymized under Tetracis) by pattern details and . May be confused with other 'slant-line' in the region, but the combination of pure white ground color and single sharp slant is characteristic.
Images
Appearance
length 19–26 mm. predominantly with a distinct slanted dark crossing both forewings and . The slant-line pattern is the primary visual characteristic. Body relatively slender, typical of . Resting posture with wings held flat or slightly overlapping.
Habitat
Associated with deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, and areas supporting the larval plants. Found in ranging from eastern hardwood forests to western montane and regions.
Distribution
North America: Nova Scotia to central British Columbia, south to northern Florida, west to Montana and northern Colorado. Canadian provinces include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Absent from the southern United States and most of the Great Plains.
Seasonality
active from May to early July. Single brooded () in most of range.
Diet
feed on diverse : Alnus (alders), Betula (birches), Prunus (cherries, plums), Salix (willows), Tilia (basswoods), Ulmus (elms), Viburnum (viburnums), Abies (firs), Larix (larches), Pinus (pines), and Tsuga (hemlocks). Both angiosperm and gymnosperm are utilized.
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larvae are the feeding stage; specific site not documented in sources. stage not specified in available sources.
Behavior
are and attracted to light. Larval not documented beyond feeding habits.
Ecological Role
Larval on ; contributes to in forest . Broad range suggests ecological role rather than tight coevolutionary relationships.
Human Relevance
No significant economic impact documented. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and enthusiasts. Scientific interest in taxonomic revision of the Tetracis.
Similar Taxa
- Other Tetracis speciesShare and general appearance; distinguished by pattern details, particularly number and orientation of transverse
- Former Synaxis species (now Tetracis)Historically separated now synonymized; distinguished by and subtle pattern differences
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Tetracis underwent significant revision, with Synaxis Hulst synonymized under Tetracis. Three new were described in this revision (referenced in external links).