Macrochilo absorptalis
Walker, 1859
slant-lined owlet moth, slant-lined fan-foot
Macrochilo absorptalis, commonly known as the slant-lined or slant-lined fan-foot, is a small litter moth in the Erebidae. have a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and are active from May to September. The exhibits latitudinal variation in voltinism: one per year in northern and two or more generations in southern populations. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macrochilo absorptalis: /ˌmækroʊˈkaɪloʊ æbˌsɔːrpˈteɪlɪs/
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Identification
The is distinguished by the slanted lines on the forewings that give it its . The wingspan of approximately 22 mm provides a size reference. As a member of the litter moth Herminiinae, it likely shares the characteristic fan-like projection on the forelegs, though this trait has not been explicitly documented for this species.
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Habitat
As a litter moth, it is associated with containing leaf litter and decaying plant matter. Specific habitat preferences beyond this general association remain undocumented.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America, ranging from Manitoba and Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia in Canada, south to Georgia and Texas in the United States. Distribution records also include Alberta and Vermont.
Seasonality
are active from May to September. One per year occurs in northern parts of the range; two or more generations occur southward.
Life Cycle
Partially documented: in the north, multivoltine (two or more ) in the south. Complete developmental stages and larval are not described in available sources.
Ecological Role
As a litter moth, likely contributes to decomposition processes in forest and woodland through larval feeding on decaying plant material, though this specific ecological function has not been directly studied for this .
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Hormisa absorptalis by Walker in 1859, later transferred to the Macrochilo.