Melanolophia imitata

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

Common NameWestern Carpet SeasonalityNo Alberta data; flies in mid June in the northwest portion of its range. IdentificationA mottled grey geometrid with small discal spots and the usual transverse lines. Externally very similar to Ectropis crepuscularia and Protoboarmia porcelaria, but in Alberta, M. imitata is known only in the Waterton-Crowsnest region, likely in association with Douglas-fir (Pseuotsuga). Identification should be confirmed through genitalic dissection, see McGuffin (1977).

Scientific Name Melanolophia imitata Common Name Western Carpet Habitat Montane coniferous forest. Seasonality No Alberta data; flies in mid June in the northwest portion of its range. Identification

A mottled grey geometrid with small discal spots and the usual transverse lines. Externally very similar to Ectropis crepuscularia and Protoboarmia porcelaria, but in Alberta, M. imitata is known only in the Waterton-Crowsnest region, likely in association with Douglas-fir (Pseuotsuga). Identification should be confirmed through genitalic dissection, see McGuffin (1977).

Life History

The eggs are laid singly on branches and trunks of the host trees, and hatch in about nine days. Larvae feed on previous years' foliage, preferring the crown and exposed lower branches. Larvae pupate in soil litter, and pupae overwinter (Evans 1962). McGuffin (1977) gives a detailed description of the immature stages.

Conservation Not of concern. Diet Info Larvae feed on the foliage of conifer trees, preferring Douglas fir, hemlock (Tsuga), and fir (Abies). Range Southern California north to Alaska, east to extreme southwestern Alberta (McGuffin 1977).

Page Citation

"Species Details - Melanolophia imitata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4300/9-115703. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

References

6 results plotted on map in 2 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM59773 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Gabriola Island, Taylor Bay Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1988-04-14

UASM59774 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Gabriola Island, Taylor Bay Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1988-04-10

JD2251 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C. Date Collected2007-06-01

JD2313 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C. Date Collected2007-06-01

UASM187658 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C. Date Collected2007-06-01

UASM187659 - Melanolophia imitata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C. Date Collected2007-06-01

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Species Details