Common NameWhite Slant-lineSeasonalityAdults fly in mid to late June in Alberta.IdentificationA large cream white, nearly immaculate geometrid moth; the only wing markings consist of a straight, tan transverse line from the apex to the anal margin of the forewing. Hindwings unmarked.
The straight PM line and absence of other prominent wing markings will identify the two Tetracis species. T. cachexiata is much paler than T. crocallata, and lacks a discal spot and the dusting of dark scales found in crocallata.
Scientific NameTetracis cachexiataCommon Name
White Slant-line
Habitat
Deciduous boreal forest and prairie riparian woodlands in Alberta.
Seasonality
Adults fly in mid to late June in Alberta.
Identification
A large cream white, nearly immaculate geometrid moth; the only wing markings consist of a straight, tan transverse line from the apex to the anal margin of the forewing. Hindwings unmarked.
The straight PM line and…
A large cream white, nearly immaculate geometrid moth; the only wing markings consist of a straight, tan transverse line from the apex to the anal margin of the forewing. Hindwings unmarked.
The straight PM line and absence of other prominent wing markings will identify the two Tetracis species. T. cachexiata is much paler than T. crocallata, and lacks a discal spot and the dusting of dark scales found in crocallata.
Life History
The caterpillar is variably marked with tan, brown and black, bearing several small dorsal warts. The second thoracic segment is conspicuously thickened, giving the caterpillar a convincing "broken-twig" appearance…
The caterpillar is variably marked with tan, brown and black, bearing several small dorsal warts. The second thoracic segment is conspicuously thickened, giving the caterpillar a convincing "broken-twig" appearance (Wagner et al. 2001). Adults come to light, and pupae overwinter.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae are generalists on deciduous trees and shrubs (occasionally conifers in the East). Recorded hosts which occur in Alberta include alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), cherry (Prunus), poplar (Populus), Viburnum and…
Larvae are generalists on deciduous trees and shrubs (occasionally conifers in the East). Recorded hosts which occur in Alberta include alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), cherry (Prunus), poplar (Populus), Viburnum and willow (Salix) (Wagner et al. 2001).
Range
Nova Scotia to central BC. In Alberta, occurs in the major river valleys of the prairies, and north to Athabasca and Fort McMurray. (McGuffin 1987). Although McGuffin (1987) reports this species from the central…
Nova Scotia to central BC. In Alberta, occurs in the major river valleys of the prairies, and north to Athabasca and Fort McMurray. (McGuffin 1987). Although McGuffin (1987) reports this species from the central boreal region in Alberta, extensive surveying in recent years has failed to turn up T. cachexiata in the Boreal forest region in the province; all recent records are from the major river valleys of the southern prairies.
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Page Citation for Tetracis cachexiata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Tetracis cachexiata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3930. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.