Common NamePink-bordered Yellow, Two-pronged LooperSeasonalityAdults fly from mid July to early September,peaking from late July to early August.IdentificationOne of the most widespread and recognizable geometrid moths. The broad pinkish borders on a yellow ground colour make this mid-sized geometrid distinctive, although the intensity of the pink margins varies considerably. Females are slightly larger with coarser dark speckling in the wing margin
Scientific NameSicya maculariaCommon Name
Pink-bordered Yellow, Two-pronged Looper
Habitat
Widespread in deciduous or mixedwood forests, woodlands and shrubby areas.
Seasonality
Adults fly from mid July to early September,peaking from late July to early August.
Identification
One of the most widespread and recognizable geometrid moths. The broad pinkish borders on a yellow ground colour make this mid-sized geometrid distinctive, although the intensity of the pink margins varies…
One of the most widespread and recognizable geometrid moths. The broad pinkish borders on a yellow ground colour make this mid-sized geometrid distinctive, although the intensity of the pink margins varies considerably. Females are slightly larger with coarser dark speckling in the wing margin
Life History
The unique larva of this species, as the name suggests, has two tongue-like lobes along its back, unlike any other looper. In addition, the colouration and texture is bark-like, making it an excellent twig mimic (see…
The unique larva of this species, as the name suggests, has two tongue-like lobes along its back, unlike any other looper. In addition, the colouration and texture is bark-like, making it an excellent twig mimic (see Ives & Wong 1988 and Wagner et al. 2003). Pupation is in a loose cocoon among foliage. The pupa is very glossy, reflecting the colours of its surroundings. The nocturnal adults, emerging in late summer, resemble yellowing or wilted leaves. Eggs are laid on twigs and in old alder catkins, and overwinter (McGuffin 1987).
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on deciduous shrubs and trees, such as alder, shrubby cinquefoil, currants, false azalea, blueberry, spiraea, willow and poplar (McGuffin 1987).
Range
Transcontinental in Canada, from coastal BC to Newfoundland, from southern YT and NT south to GA, MS and CA (McGuffin 1987, Wagner et al. 1997).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Sicya macularia
Page Citation
"Species Details - Sicya macularia, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1543. Accessed 08 Dec. 2024.
References
AuthorWagner, David L.; Giles, Valerie; Reardon, Richard C. and Michael L. McManus
TitleCaterpillars of eastern forests.
Publication Date1997
Pages113
AuthorMcGuffin, W. C.
TitleGuide to the Geometridae of Canada (Lepidoptera): II. Subfamily Ennominae, 4
Publication Date1987
Series TitleMemoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume138
Pages182
AuthorIves, W. G. H. and H. R. Wong
TitleTree and shrub insects of the prairie provinces
Publication Date1988
Pages327
Specimen Information
There are 112 specimens of this Species.
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112 results plotted on map in 46 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.