Common NameMarbled WaveSeasonalityAdults fly in Alberta from late April to early June.IdentificationA mid-sized geometrid with a very contrasting, marbled appearance. Forewing white with a relatively uniform black mottling, no strong distinguishing markings. The AM, PM and marginal area consists of a loose, broken black band. Intervening areas are heavily striated in black. Black discal spot. The veins through the median area are sometimes lightly dusted with ochre. Hindwing speckled and lighter overall.
Scientific NameOrthofidonia tinctariaCommon Name
Marbled Wave
Habitat
Mesic deciduous and mixedwood forests.
Seasonality
Adults fly in Alberta from late April to early June.
Identification
A mid-sized geometrid with a very contrasting, marbled appearance. Forewing white with a relatively uniform black mottling, no strong distinguishing markings. The AM, PM and marginal area consists of a loose, broken…
A mid-sized geometrid with a very contrasting, marbled appearance. Forewing white with a relatively uniform black mottling, no strong distinguishing markings. The AM, PM and marginal area consists of a loose, broken black band. Intervening areas are heavily striated in black. Black discal spot. The veins through the median area are sometimes lightly dusted with ochre. Hindwing speckled and lighter overall.
Life History
The mature larva is detailed by McGuffin (1977) and illustrated in Wagner et al. (2001). Adults come to light.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
The larvae feed on Viburnum (McGuffin 1972).
Range
BC to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia and Missouri in the east (McGuffin 1977, Wagner et al. 2001).
Citation
Page Citation for Orthofidonia tinctaria
Page Citation
"Species Details - Orthofidonia tinctaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4464. Accessed 24 Sep. 2022.