SeasonalityAdults begin flying in mid-March in the southern reaches of its habitat and remain active until the end of May in the north. There is likely only one generation per year as demonstrated by S. inornata, a closely related group, which are univoltine (Hodges 1974).IdentificationSemioscopis merriccella looks similar S. packardella with the overall colouration of the costal margin and most of the forewing being brown (Hodges 1974). The presence of a black band in the basal anterior region of the forewing distinguishes S. packardella from S. merriccella (Hodges 1974). If the band is present in S. merriccella it will be relatively narrow and the costal margin will be concave (Hodges 1974). Forewing length of S. merriccella is usually longer (11 to 15 mm in length) than S. packardella (Hodges 1974). Genitalic features can also be used to distinguish the two species from each other (Hodges 1974). Male S. merriccella have two cornuti on a narrow and curved aedeagus (Hodges 1974). In comparison, the aedeagus of S. packardella males are straight, taper to a point and have eight cornuti (Hodges 1974). Females are distinguished based on the number of inward directed projections on the signum (Hodges 1974). Female S. merriccella have several of these projections while S. packardella females have two (Hodges 1974).
Scientific NameSemioscopis merriccellaHabitat
Not described but other members of the family are found in deciduous and mixed woods forests (Hodges 1974). Adults have been collected in the northern prairie region (around Edmonton) of Alberta.
Seasonality
Adults begin flying in mid-March in the southern reaches of its habitat and remain active until the end of May in the north. There is likely only one generation per year as demonstrated by S. inornata, a closely…
Adults begin flying in mid-March in the southern reaches of its habitat and remain active until the end of May in the north. There is likely only one generation per year as demonstrated by S. inornata, a closely related group, which are univoltine (Hodges 1974).
Identification
Semioscopis merriccella looks similar S. packardella with the overall colouration of the costal margin and most of the forewing being brown (Hodges 1974). The presence of a black band in the basal anterior region of…
Semioscopis merriccella looks similar S. packardella with the overall colouration of the costal margin and most of the forewing being brown (Hodges 1974). The presence of a black band in the basal anterior region of the forewing distinguishes S. packardella from S. merriccella (Hodges 1974). If the band is present in S. merriccella it will be relatively narrow and the costal margin will be concave (Hodges 1974). Forewing length of S. merriccella is usually longer (11 to 15 mm in length) than S. packardella (Hodges 1974). Genitalic features can also be used to distinguish the two species from each other (Hodges 1974). Male S. merriccella have two cornuti on a narrow and curved aedeagus (Hodges 1974). In comparison, the aedeagus of S. packardella males are straight, taper to a point and have eight cornuti (Hodges 1974). Females are distinguished based on the number of inward directed projections on the signum (Hodges 1974). Female S. merriccella have several of these projections while S. packardella females have two (Hodges 1974).
Life History
Morphology and behaviour of various lifestages not well known. Other members of this genus are leafrollers which feed in June and July and pupate overwinter in the ground (Hodges 1974).
Conservation
Likely not a concern due to widespread distribution.
Diet Info
Larval diet not confirmed other related species in the genus feed on plants from Rosaceae (Hodges 1974).
RangeSemioscopis merriccella is encountered throughout the northern Unites States and southern Canada from east to west coast (Hodges 1974).
Notes
This species is placed in the same Nearctic group as S. packardella (Hodges 1974).
Citation
Page Citation for Semioscopis merriccella
Page Citation
"Species Details - Semioscopis merriccella, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-6287. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.