Macalla zelleri
Grote, 1876
Zeller's Macalla Moth, Zeller's epipaschia moth
Macalla zelleri is a in the , first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. The is notable for having that feed on poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), potentially offering a for this problematic . are found across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from southern Canada to the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macalla zelleri: /məˈkælə ˈzɛləri/
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Distribution
Found from Ontario and New Jersey south to Florida, and westward to Arizona and Minnesota. The occupies a broad range across eastern and central North America.
Diet
feed on poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans, formerly Rhus radicans). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Toxicodendron radicans - larval poison ivy; have bodies with light red bearing pale freckles
Life Cycle
Larval stage has been described: body with light red and pale freckles. Complete details including and timing are not documented.
Ecological Role
may provide limited of poison ivy, a that causes contact dermatitis in humans and can dominate disturbed .
Human Relevance
The larval relationship with poison ivy is of potential interest for natural management of this noxious weed, though the is not widely utilized for this purpose.
Similar Taxa
- Epipaschia superatalisBoth belong to and share similar overall ; E. superatalis is known as the Macalla
More Details
Taxonomic note
The epithet 'zelleri' honors German Philipp Christoph Zeller (1808-1883), a prominent in Microlepidoptera.
Observation frequency
As of 2024, the has over 1,100 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.