Common NameBent-line GraySeasonalityLate May to mid July, with the peak flight period usually in late June.IdentificationVery similar to Iridopsis ephyraria and humaria. Larvaria is the most widespread and common of the three. I. ephyraria and humaria are likely to be encountered only in the extreme eastern parts of the province. Genitalic examination is necessary to confirm identification. The male uncus is simple in larvaria but forked in ephyraria and humaria.
Scientific NameIridopsis larvariaCommon Name
Bent-line Gray
Habitat
Primarily a species of mixed wood and deciduous boreal forests in Alberta.
Seasonality
Late May to mid July, with the peak flight period usually in late June.
Identification
Very similar to Iridopsis ephyraria and humaria. Larvaria is the most widespread and common of the three. I. ephyraria and humaria are likely to be encountered only in the extreme eastern parts of the province.…
Very similar to Iridopsis ephyraria and humaria. Larvaria is the most widespread and common of the three. I. ephyraria and humaria are likely to be encountered only in the extreme eastern parts of the province. Genitalic examination is necessary to confirm identification. The male uncus is simple in larvaria but forked in ephyraria and humaria.
Life History
Wagner et al. (2001) illustrate the larva, and McGuffin (1977) gives a detailed description of all immature stages. The larva rests with the body arched up and the thoracic legs on the substrate (Wagner et al 2001).…
Wagner et al. (2001) illustrate the larva, and McGuffin (1977) gives a detailed description of all immature stages. The larva rests with the body arched up and the thoracic legs on the substrate (Wagner et al 2001). Hibernation is as a pupa, and adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, most commonly on Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) and Speckled Alder (Alnus rugosa) (Prentice 1963).
Range
Widespread throughout forested regions of North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland south to Georgia and Mexico (McGuffin 1977).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Iridopsis larvaria
Page Citation
"Species Details - Iridopsis larvaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4213. Accessed 14 Aug. 2022.