Ypsolopha cervella
(Walsingham, 1881)
Ypsolopha cervella is a of the Ypsolophidae found along the Pacific coast of North America from Vancouver Island to southern California, with inland extending to Arizona. exhibit and emerge in June, with a single per year. The has a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on oaks, developing within webs on leaves, buds, and twigs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ypsolopha cervella: /ɪpsoʊˈloʊfə sɛrˈvɛlə/
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Habitat
Associated with oak woodlands and forests where plants of sections Erythrobalanus (red oak) and Lepidobalanus (white oak) occur.
Distribution
Vancouver Island southward along the Pacific coast to San Diego County, California, and inland to Arizona.
Seasonality
emerge in June; one per year.
Diet
Larvae feed on oaks of sections Erythrobalanus and Lepidobalanus, specifically documented on Quercus chrysolepis and Quercus gambelii.
Host Associations
- Quercus chrysolepis - larval
- Quercus gambelii - larval
Life Cycle
One per year. Larvae live and feed in webs on leaves, buds, and twigs of plants, then pupate in a cocoon-like structure attached to the host plant.
Behavior
are polymorphic. Adults rest with the body positioned bottom-up and stretched forward, a characteristic posture of Ypsolophidae. Adults are infrequently attracted to light.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on oak ; contributes to oak woodland as prey for and other .