Operophtera occidentalis
Western Bruce Spanworm
Operophtera occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Bruce Spanworm, is a in the Geometridae. It is native to western North America. The species is closely related to the Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata), with which it shares similar ecological traits and appearance. are active in late autumn, with males possessing fully developed wings while females are wingless.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Operophtera occidentalis: /ˌɒpərɒfˈtɪərə ˌɒksɪˈdɛntəlɪs/
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Images
Distribution
Western North America.
Seasonality
are active in late autumn. Males fly during this period while wingless females remain on tree trunks and branches.
Similar Taxa
- Operophtera bruceataClosely related with similar appearance and ; both have wingless females and autumn-emerging males, requiring careful morphological examination for differentiation.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
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