Acasis
Duponchel, [1845]
Yellow-barred brindle (A. viretata), Olive-and-black carpet (A. viridata)
Species Guides
1- Acasis viridata(Olive-and-black Carpet)
Acasis is a of in the Geometridae, Larentiinae, established by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1845. The genus contains at least three recognized , including the well-documented Acasis viretata (Yellow-barred Brindle), which has been the subject of sequencing research. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized geometrid moths with distinctive wing patterns. Information on most species remains limited, with detailed biological data available primarily for A. viretata.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acasis: //əˈkeɪ.sɪs//
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Identification
Acasis viretata can be identified by its green to yellow coloration with a prominent dark central crossband; the green color fades rapidly in preserved specimens. The is distinguished from similar green geometrids by the combination of size (forewing 10–14 mm), the specific pattern of the dark crossband, and the yellow ground color of faded individuals. Other Acasis species require identification; A. viridata is known as the olive-and-black carpet, suggesting darker coloration.
Images
Appearance
Small to medium-sized geometrid moths. Acasis viretata has forewing length of 10–14 mm. Freshly emerged individuals are green, fading to yellow with age, and bear a dark grey or black central crossband on the wings. Specific appearance details for other (A. appensata, A. viridata) are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Woodlands and gardens, based on records for A. viretata. preferences for other in the are not documented.
Distribution
Records exist from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United States (Vermont), and additional unverified locations. A. viretata specifically is widespread in southern England with northward expansion, common throughout Europe, and has scattered records across Asia to Japan.
Seasonality
A. viretata is , with periods in May–June and late July–September. Seasonality for other Acasis is not documented.
Host Associations
- Holly - larval foodplantIlex
- Ivy - larval foodplantHedera
- Hawthorn - larval foodplantCrataegus
- Dogwood - larval foodplantCornus
- Privet - larval foodplantLigustrum
Life Cycle
A. viretata is with two per year; the overwinters in the pupal stage. details for other Acasis species are not documented.
Human Relevance
A. viretata has been the subject of sequencing research, with a -level assembly produced to support lepidopteran genomic studies. No significant economic or agricultural impacts are documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other green geometrid moths (Geometridae)Similar size and green coloration; distinguished by the specific dark crossband pattern and rapid color fading in Acasis viretata
More Details
Genomic research
A -level assembly of 297.68 Mb was produced for A. viretata from a female specimen collected in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK. The assembly includes 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules (including W and Z ) and a 16.01 kb mitochondrial genome.
Taxonomic history
The was erected by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1845 and is currently classified in Larentiinae of Geometridae.