Malacodea
Tengström, 1869
Species Guides
1Malacodea is a small of geometrid moths containing two : the Palaearctic M. regelaria and the Nearctic M. pulchraria. The genus was historically considered until molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed E. pulchraria as sister to M. regelaria, resulting in its transfer to Malacodea. Both species are associated with coniferous forests and share larval feeding habits on coniferous trees, distinguishing them from other members of the tribe Operophterini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Malacodea: /mæləˈkoʊdiə/
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Identification
Distinguished from related in tribe Operophterini by male genital . Males of M. regelaria have wingspan 25–31 mm; females are wingless. Larvae of both feed on coniferous trees, unlike other Operophterini members. Molecular data (COI, 28S, EF-1α, WGL, GAPDH, RPS5, IDH, MDH, CAD) support generic placement.
Images
Habitat
Coniferous forests, inferred from larval associations with coniferous trees.
Distribution
Holarctic: M. regelaria occurs from Fennoscandia and Estonia to northern Siberia; M. pulchraria occurs in the Nearctic region.
Seasonality
M. regelaria: active April to May in one per year; larvae present in July; overwinters as pupa. M. pulchraria seasonality not specified in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed on coniferous trees; M. regelaria specifically documented feeding on Picea abies (Norway spruce).
Host Associations
- Picea abies - larval food plantspecific to M. regelaria
- coniferous trees - larval food plantgeneral for both
Life Cycle
M. regelaria: , larva (July), pupa ( stage), (April–May). One per year.
Similar Taxa
- EpirritaFormerly contained M. pulchraria (as E. pulchraria); distinguished by larval diet (non-coniferous in most Epirrita) and molecular phylogenetic position.
- OperophteraMember of same tribe Operophterini; distinguished by larval diet and male genital .