Eupithecia olivacea

Taylor, 1906

A North American geometrid described by Taylor in 1906. The is notable for its uniform olive-brown forewings and early spring period. Larvae are associated with coniferous trees including firs, spruces, and hemlocks, as well as hawthorn. The species has been documented as a visitor to apple flowers, suggesting potential pollination activity.

Eupithecia olivacea 01 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.Eupithecia olivacea 05 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.Eupithecia olivacea 04 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eupithecia olivacea: /juːpɪˈθiːʃə ˌɒlɪˈveɪsiə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Uniform olive-brown forewings distinguish this from other Eupithecia. fly in early spring (March–April), which separates them from many later-flying .

Images

Appearance

Forewings are uniform olive brown.

Habitat

Associated with coniferous forest supporting larval plants including Abies, Picea, Pseudotsuga, and Tsuga .

Distribution

North America: British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to California.

Seasonality

on wing from early March to April.

Diet

Larvae feed on Abies grandis, Abies amabilis, Abies lasiocarpa, Crataegus douglasii, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, Picea sitchensis, and Tsuga heterophylla. feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

  • Abies grandis - larval food plant
  • Abies amabilis - larval food plant
  • Abies lasiocarpa - larval food plant
  • Crataegus douglasii - larval food plant
  • Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca - larval food plant
  • Picea sitchensis - larval food plant
  • Tsuga heterophylla - larval food plant

Behavior

have been observed visiting apple flowers at night, indicating activity.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on conifers and hawthorn. Potential of apple based on observational records.

Human Relevance

Documented as a visitor to apple orchards; may contribute to pollination services in fruit production.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Eupithecia speciesMany share similar size and wing shape; E. olivacea distinguished by uniform olive-brown coloration and early spring period.

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Sources and further reading