Species Details

Lambdina fiscellaria

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

Common NameMournful Thorn, Hemlock Looper SeasonalityAdults fly in Alberta in early fall, usually from late August to late September. IdentificationA thinly scaled mid-sized geometrid, antennae with very long pectinations resulting in conspicuously feathery antenae. Ground colour varies from tan to brown, AM and PM lines dark, the latter bordered distally with orange-brown. Discal spots obscure. Similar to Besma, but Lambdina fiscellaria lacks the scalloped subterminal line of Besma, and flies in the fall, not in early summer. Three subspecies have been recognized: fiscellaria, lugubrosa (Hulst) and somniaria (Hulst) based on geographic affinities and host plant differences. However genetic evidence does not clearly support recognition of these subspecies, and L. fiscellaria appears to be a single, highly adaptable species (Sperling et al. 1999).

Scientific Name Lambdina fiscellaria Common Name Mournful Thorn, Hemlock Looper Habitat Mixedwood and coniferous forest. Seasonality Adults fly in Alberta in early fall, usually from late August to late September. Identification
A thinly scaled mid-sized geometrid, antennae with very long pectinations resulting in conspicuously feathery antenae. Ground colour varies from tan to brown, AM and PM lines dark, the latter bordered distally with…
A thinly scaled mid-sized geometrid, antennae with very long pectinations resulting in conspicuously feathery antenae. Ground colour varies from tan to brown, AM and PM lines dark, the latter bordered distally with orange-brown. Discal spots obscure. Similar to Besma, but Lambdina fiscellaria lacks the scalloped subterminal line of Besma, and flies in the fall, not in early summer. Three subspecies have been recognized: fiscellaria, lugubrosa (Hulst) and somniaria (Hulst) based on geographic affinities and host plant differences. However genetic evidence does not clearly support recognition of these subspecies, and L. fiscellaria appears to be a single, highly adaptable species (Sperling et al. 1999).
Life History
The larva (Hemlock Looper) is grey with various intricate longitudinal stripes and small black spots. Young larvae eat only new foliage, mature larvae eat older foliage (Wagner et al. 2001). Eggs overwinter on tree…
The larva (Hemlock Looper) is grey with various intricate longitudinal stripes and small black spots. Young larvae eat only new foliage, mature larvae eat older foliage (Wagner et al. 2001). Eggs overwinter on tree trunks, laid on bark lichens or moss. The Hemlock Looper is an important forest pest, and can cause severe defoliation of conifers. Numerous outbreaks have been recorded in BC (Duncan 2003). For more information on the economics and management of this species see Duncan (2003) and references in McGuffin (1987).
Conservation Not of concern. Diet Info
Larvae are generalists on conifers, but also occasionally feed on deciduous trees such as aspen (Populus) and willow (Salix). Favoured hosts are balsam fir (Abies balsamifera), spruce (Picea sp.), and tamarack…
Larvae are generalists on conifers, but also occasionally feed on deciduous trees such as aspen (Populus) and willow (Salix). Favoured hosts are balsam fir (Abies balsamifera), spruce (Picea sp.), and tamarack (Larix)(Prentice 1963).
Range Widespread from the Pacific to Atlantic coast, south to PE, WI and CA (McGuffin 1987).

Citation

Page Citation for Lambdina fiscellaria

Page Citation

"Species Details - Lambdina fiscellaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4277. Accessed 07 Dec. 2024.

References

Specimen Information

There are 12 specimens of this Species.

12 results plotted on map in 10 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM10239 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lloydminster Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1942-08-27

UASM10243 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByMackie, Donald Date Collected1924-09-16

UASM58364 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Gainford Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2001-08-22/2001-08-25

BIRD16462 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-09-03

UASM99367 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Gainford Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2001-08-20/2002-08-25

CBCC1222 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park Collected BySchmidt, B. C. Date Collected2005-09-04

CBCC1223 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park Collected BySchmidt, B. C. Date Collected2005-09-04

UASM187556 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Maine, Penobscot county, Lincoln Collected ByWalker, F. H. Date Collected1920-08-27

UASM187557 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Vermont, Orange county, Randolph Date Collected1919-08

UASM187558 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook Collected ByJanz, L. Date Collected1995-09-12

UASM187559 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook Collected ByJanz, L. Date Collected1996-09-28

CBCC1221 - Lambdina fiscellaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park Collected ByChristensen, C. B. Date Collected2005-09-04

Adult Seasonal Distribution