Common NameThe BearSeasonalityAn early spring flier, peaking in late April to late May.IdentificationFor a geometrid, this species has an unusually stout and hairy body (hence the name), and together with the elongate wing shape, it is more reminiscent of a species of Gluphisia (Notodontidae); however, it lacks the tan scales of Gluphisia. More uniformly grey overall than Biston betularia, with less contrasting transverse black lines. Lycia rachelae is not mottled, and has orange-brown scales along the forewing costa (absent in ursaria). Female fully winged, but apparently collected only rarely.
Scientific NameLycia ursariaCommon Name
The Bear
Habitat
Mixedwood and deciduous forests and woodlands.
Seasonality
An early spring flier, peaking in late April to late May.
Identification
For a geometrid, this species has an unusually stout and hairy body (hence the name), and together with the elongate wing shape, it is more reminiscent of a species of Gluphisia (Notodontidae); however, it lacks the…
For a geometrid, this species has an unusually stout and hairy body (hence the name), and together with the elongate wing shape, it is more reminiscent of a species of Gluphisia (Notodontidae); however, it lacks the tan scales of Gluphisia. More uniformly grey overall than Biston betularia, with less contrasting transverse black lines. Lycia rachelae is not mottled, and has orange-brown scales along the forewing costa (absent in ursaria). Female fully winged, but apparently collected only rarely.
Life History
The eggs are laid in clusters of 150 to 200 in early spring before bud break, and hatch in about three weeks. The purplish-brown larvae are twig mimics, and develop slowly throughout the spring and summer, not…
The eggs are laid in clusters of 150 to 200 in early spring before bud break, and hatch in about three weeks. The purplish-brown larvae are twig mimics, and develop slowly throughout the spring and summer, not pupating until mid July to early August (Prentice 1963, McGuffin 1977, Wagner et al. 2001). Adults come to light. This is one of the first species to emerge in the spring, along with Feralia, Orthosia and Gluphisia species.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs such as dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), white birch (Betula papyrifera), willows (Salix spp.), alders (Alnus spp.), Vaccinium spp. and Prunus spp. (McGuffin 1977).
Larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs such as dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), white birch (Betula papyrifera), willows (Salix spp.), alders (Alnus spp.), Vaccinium spp. and Prunus spp. (McGuffin 1977).
Range
Across southern Canada, from northern Alberta south to New Brunswick, Colorado and Washington (McGuffin 1977).
Citation
Page Citation for Lycia ursaria
Page Citation
"Species Details - Lycia ursaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4298. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
References
AuthorPrentice, R. M.
TitleForest Lepidoptera of Canada. (1963)
Publication Date1963
Volume3
Pages281
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
Specimen Information
There are 78 specimens of this Species.
78 results plotted on map in 27 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.