Common NamePine VariantSeasonalityAdults fly in July in BC. No information available for Alberta.IdentificationThe hindwing margin is slightly more scalloped in Hypagyrtis than other similar, mid-sized grey geometrids; it is otherwise difficult to characterize this genus externally without visual comparison to similar species in the Boarmiini such as Aethalura, Iridopsis and Protoboarmia. This genus is taxonomically very difficult, and there are no reliable genitalic differences among piniata and unipunctaria; H. piniata is associated only with conifers in Alberta, and supposedly lacks the brownish shading in the subterminal area found in H. unipunctaria. Piniata females are much smaller than unipunctaria, with a wingspan of about 32mm compared to 38 - 40mm for unipunctaria; piniata males are only slightly smaller than unipunctaria, with slightly less scalloped hindwing margins (Handfield 1999).
Scientific NameHypagyrtis piniataCommon Name
Pine Variant
Habitat
Mixedwood and coniferous boreal forest.
Seasonality
Adults fly in July in BC. No information available for Alberta.
Identification
The hindwing margin is slightly more scalloped in Hypagyrtis than other similar, mid-sized grey geometrids; it is otherwise difficult to characterize this genus externally without visual comparison to similar species…
The hindwing margin is slightly more scalloped in Hypagyrtis than other similar, mid-sized grey geometrids; it is otherwise difficult to characterize this genus externally without visual comparison to similar species in the Boarmiini such as Aethalura, Iridopsis and Protoboarmia. This genus is taxonomically very difficult, and there are no reliable genitalic differences among piniata and unipunctaria; H. piniata is associated only with conifers in Alberta, and supposedly lacks the brownish shading in the subterminal area found in H. unipunctaria. Piniata females are much smaller than unipunctaria, with a wingspan of about 32mm compared to 38 - 40mm for unipunctaria; piniata males are only slightly smaller than unipunctaria, with slightly less scalloped hindwing margins (Handfield 1999).
Life History
The mottled green, brown and black larva resembles a conifer twig, and overwinters exposed on tree trunks and branches (Wagner et al. 2001). Adults come to light (Handfield 1999).
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on conifers, especially balsam fir (Abies), white spruce (Picea), jack pine (Pinus)and tamarack (Larix)(Prentice 1963). Despite their apparently broad acceptance of conifer hosts, this species is not know…
Larvae feed on conifers, especially balsam fir (Abies), white spruce (Picea), jack pine (Pinus)and tamarack (Larix)(Prentice 1963). Despite their apparently broad acceptance of conifer hosts, this species is not know from the southern boreal or foothills region in Alberta.
Range
Nova Scotia to north-central Alberta, with a possibly disjunct population in interior BC. South in the East to Minnesota, Mississippi, Maryland and Georgia (McGuffin 1977, Wagner et al. 2001).
Citation
Page Citation for Hypagyrtis piniata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Hypagyrtis piniata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4207. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
References
AuthorWagner, D.L, D.L. Ferguson, T.L. McCabe and R.C. Reardon
TitleGeometroid Caterpillars of Northeastern and Appalachian Forests
Publication Date2001
Pages239
AuthorMcGuffin, W. C.
TitleGuide to the Geometridae of Canada (Lepidoptera): II. Subfamily Ennominae, 2.
Publication Date1977
Series TitleMemoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume101
Pages191
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
Specimen Information
There are 4 specimens of this Species.
4 results plotted on map in 4 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.