Cyclophora myrtaria
(Guenée, [1858])
Wax Myrtle Wave, waxmyrtle wave moth
Cyclophora myrtaria, commonly known as the Wax Myrtle Wave, is a small geometrid native to North America. have a wingspan of 24–27 mm. The is found along the Atlantic coastal plain, where its larvae feed on Myrtaceae species. As a member of the Geometridae , its caterpillars likely exhibit the reduced count characteristic of inchworms.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyclophora myrtaria: //saɪˈklɒfəɹə mɪrˈtɛəriə//
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Identification
Small geometrid with 24–27 mm wingspan. Distinguished from other Cyclophora by geographic association with Atlantic coastal plain and larval plant specificity to Myrtaceae. Similar such as Cyclophora pendulinaria and Cyclophora packardi overlap in range but may differ in wing pattern and host associations.
Habitat
Associated with coastal plain environments where Myrtaceae plants occur. Specific microhabitat preferences for not documented.
Distribution
North America, specifically along the Atlantic coastal plain. Distribution records indicate presence in coastal regions from New England through the southeastern United States.
Seasonality
period not explicitly documented. National Week observations in late July suggest summer activity, but complete unknown.
Diet
Larvae feed on Myrtaceae . feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Myrtaceae - larval food plant-level association; specific or within Myrtaceae not specified
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific developmental duration and voltinity unknown. As a geometrid, larvae are likely inchworms with reduced number.
Behavior
attracted to light. Larval not documented; geometrid larvae typically move with characteristic looping gait due to reduced .
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on Myrtaceae. Specific functions not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Observed during citizen science events such as National Week.
Similar Taxa
- Cyclophora pendulinariaCongeneric geometrid with similar and reduced larval ; differs in plant associations and potentially wing pattern
- Cyclophora packardiCongeneric with overlapping North American distribution; distinguished by specific plant and subtle wing pattern differences
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Authorship sometimes cited as (Guenée, 1858) with brackets indicating approximate date
Observation Data
iNaturalist records 1,355 observations as of source date, indicating moderate detection frequency