Macaria curvata (Grote) (Geometridae;Ennomine) is a common species found in arid habitats of the western United States and Canada. Intensive light trapping found the moth to be one of the most commonly collected throughout the Hanford Site of southcentral Washington State. To provide larvae and adults for concurrent studies, a laboratory colony of M. curvata was estabilished and maintained. Live, wild females were collected and allowed to oviposite on their food plant, rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa var. speciosa (Hutt.) Nesom % Baird). In our southcental Washington study area, adults generally emerge in late March and complete 4 - 5 generations throughout the season until early October when they overwinter in teh pupal stage. Eggs are laid on the leaves and stems of hte host plant, hatching in 6 - 10 days. The larvae undergo five instars before pupation takes place in the soil. Adult females produce and average of 131 eggs (SD = 62, N = 45). Adult females have an average wingspan of 23.4 mm (+-1.23 mm, N = 31) while males have a wingspan of 24.3 mm (+-1.3 mm, N = 55).
Revised: July 28, 2006 |
Published: June 9, 2006
Citation
Strenge D.L., C.J. Driver, R.S. Herrington, and R.S. Zack. 2006.Notes on the Life History of Macaria curvata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Southcentral Washington State.Pan-Pacific Entomologist 82, no. 1:91, 96.PNNL-SA-44820.