Species Details
Stenoporpia separataria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
SeasonalityAdults fly in late June and early July.
IdentificationThe mottled grey colour and pattern of the adults resembles tree bark. Black AM and PM lines, diffuse discal spot and median line. Similar to several other species in this group, including S. pulmonaria, Iridopsis larvaria and Anavitrinella pampinaria: S. separataria has a more crenulate, irregular PM line than pulmonaria, and flies earlier in the season; questionable identifications should be verified through genitalic dissection (see McGuffin 1977). I. Larvaria has a less elongated forewing shape and a broad dark band basal to black AM line which is faint or absent in pulmonaria. In Alberta, separataria is known only in the mountains from the Crowsnest Pass south, while larvaria is widespread. For genitalic differences, see McGuffin (1977). Adults of pampinaria have short male antennal pectinations (much longer in separataria) and a light contrasting band at the base of the abdomen that is absent in separataria.
Scientific Name
Stenoporpia separataria
Habitat
Montane Douglas-fir forest.
Seasonality
Adults fly in late June and early July.
Identification
The mottled grey colour and pattern of the adults resembles tree bark. Black AM and PM lines, diffuse discal spot and median line. Similar to several other species in this group, including S. pulmonaria, Iridopsis…
The mottled grey colour and pattern of the adults resembles tree bark. Black AM and PM lines, diffuse discal spot and median line. Similar to several other species in this group, including S. pulmonaria, Iridopsis larvaria and Anavitrinella pampinaria: S. separataria has a more crenulate, irregular PM line than pulmonaria, and flies earlier in the season; questionable identifications should be verified through genitalic dissection (see McGuffin 1977). I. Larvaria has a less elongated forewing shape and a broad dark band basal to black AM line which is faint or absent in pulmonaria. In Alberta, separataria is known only in the mountains from the Crowsnest Pass south, while larvaria is widespread. For genitalic differences, see McGuffin (1977). Adults of pampinaria have short male antennal pectinations (much longer in separataria) and a light contrasting band at the base of the abdomen that is absent in separataria.
Life History
McGuffin (1977) gives a brief description of the larva and pupa.
Conservation
Restricted distribution in AB, but widespread to the west.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) (McGuffin 1977).
Range
Southwestern AB and southern BC south to AZ and NM (McGuffin 1977).
Citation
Page Citation for Stenoporpia separataria
Page Citation
"Species Details - Stenoporpia separataria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4312. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
References
Author
McGuffin, W. C.
Title
Guide to the Geometridae of Canada (Lepidoptera): II. Subfamily Ennominae, 2.
Publication Date
1977
Series Title
Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume
101
Pages
191
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
BIRD1750 - Stenoporpia separataria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Crowsnest Pass, Island Lake
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2001-06-29