Common NameDecorated GraniteSeasonalityFlies primarily in July and August, peaking in late July.IdentificationForewing pale grey with fine dark striations and usually weakly developed costal wedges; Black AM and PM lines variably developed, median line usually absent. Black discal spot. Hindwing slightly paler, sometimes with PM and submarginal line and discal spot. Terminal line finely checkered black and white. Sexes similar.
Wing pattern very similar to some Semiothisa, but these have simple male antennae, not pectinate as in Itame.
Bowman (1951) erroneously reported Alberta specimens of this species as I. denticulodes (Hulst) (McGuffin 1972).
Scientific NameMacaria decorataCommon Name
Decorated Granite
Habitat
Open woodlands and parkland.
Seasonality
Flies primarily in July and August, peaking in late July.
Identification
Forewing pale grey with fine dark striations and usually weakly developed costal wedges; Black AM and PM lines variably developed, median line usually absent. Black discal spot. Hindwing slightly paler, sometimes with…
Forewing pale grey with fine dark striations and usually weakly developed costal wedges; Black AM and PM lines variably developed, median line usually absent. Black discal spot. Hindwing slightly paler, sometimes with PM and submarginal line and discal spot. Terminal line finely checkered black and white. Sexes similar.
Wing pattern very similar to some Semiothisa, but these have simple male antennae, not pectinate as in Itame.
Bowman (1951) erroneously reported Alberta specimens of this species as I. denticulodes (Hulst) (McGuffin 1972).
Life History
McGuffin (1972) describes the immature stages in detail. This species is often found together with I. bitacta in AB and BC (McGuffin1972). Adults come to light.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on gooseberries and currants (Ribes spp.)(McGuffin 1972).
Range
A western species, found from southern BC and Alberta to Colorado. In Alberta it is found primarily in the foothills and mountains from Nordegg southward (McGuffin 1972).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Macaria decorata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Macaria decorata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3883. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
References
AuthorMcGuffin, W. C.
TitleGuide to the Geometridae of Canada. II. Subfamily Ennominae. 1.
Publication Date1972
Series TitleMemoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume86
Pages159
Specimen Information
There are 16 specimens of this Species.
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16 results plotted on map in 11 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.