Eupithecia strattonata
Packard, 1873
Spirea Looper
Eupithecia strattonata, commonly known as the Spirea Looper, is a small geometrid found in eastern North America. have a wingspan of approximately 17 mm and are active during June and July. The inhabits damp, open wetlands including marshes, bogs, and abandoned pastures. Larvae feed on Alnus (alders) and Spiraea species, with one documented instance of feeding on Actaea rubra fruit. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to pollination services.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupithecia strattonata: /juːpɪˈθeɪʃiə strætəˈneɪtə/
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Identification
Members of Eupithecia ("pugs") are recognized by their narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. Definitive -level identification of E. strattonata typically requires examination of genitalia or other microscopic characters, as is common for many Eupithecia species. The species can be distinguished from similar by its specific wing pattern and genitalic , though these features require expert examination.
Appearance
Small geometrid with narrow wings characteristic of the Eupithecia. Wingspan approximately 17 mm. Specific wing pattern details for this are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Damp fields and open areas, abandoned pastures, marshes, bogs, and other flat wet areas. The shows a strong association with wetland and moist open across its range.
Distribution
Eastern North America: from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia west to Ontario, with range extending into bordering areas of the north-eastern United States. Documented presence in Vermont.
Seasonality
are on wing in June and July. Larval stage timing not specified in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed on Alnus (alders) and Spiraea . One individual larva was reared on the fruit of Actaea rubra (red baneberry). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Alnus - larval -level association
- Spiraea - larval -level association; source of
- Actaea rubra - larval single documented instance on fruit
Life Cycle
Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Specific details of timing and stage not documented in available sources.
Behavior
are and have been observed visiting flowers, including apple blossoms. Larvae are loopers (inchworms), moving with characteristic looping gait typical of Geometridae.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on woody plants in wetlands. contribute to pollination, as documented in apple orchards where Eupithecia were observed visiting flowers. Serves as potential for , including braconids in Agathidinae.
Human Relevance
Documented as a of apple flowers, contributing to pollination services in orchard . Otherwise not known to have significant economic or cultural impact.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eupithecia speciesMany Eupithecia are morphologically similar and require genitalic dissection for definitive identification; most share narrow wings and similar resting posture
More Details
Pollination Research
A 2021 study in the Journal of Economic Entomology documented Eupithecia visiting apple flowers as part of pollination research in Arkansas, demonstrating that this contributes to nighttime pollination services in agricultural settings.
Taxonomic Note
described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873. The specific epithet 'strattonata' does not appear to reference a modern association.