Species Details

Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NamePink-bordered Yellow, Two-pronged Looper SeasonalityAdults 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 Name Sicya macularia Common 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).

Citation

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Schmidt, B. C.
Role species page author
Date 2003-08-18

References

Specimen Information

There are 112 specimens of this Species.

112 results plotted on map in 46 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

BIRD35014 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2011-07-23

BIRD36697 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2013-07-27

BIRD36698 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2013-08-04

BIRD36699 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2013-08-10

BIRD37452 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2014-07-19

BIRD37453 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2014-08-03

BIRD37454 - Sicya macularia

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2014-08-30

Adult Seasonal Distribution