Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
探検昆虫
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
macaria pustularia
The Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth (Macaria pustularia) is a charming and common Geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Named for its caterpillars' favorite food and their characteristic "looping" crawl, this delicate white moth is a frequent visitor to deciduous forests and suburban yards alike. During the summer, it plays an important role in the local ecosystem, serving as a vital food source for nesting birds and acting as a key indicator of forest health. Though small, its abundance makes it a staple of North American woodlands.
生息地: Found primarily in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly where maple trees are abundant, as well as in wooded suburban parks and gardens.
外見
Adults are small, delicate moths with a wingspan of 2 to 3 cm. Their wings are mostly pure, chalky white to light cream, decorated with three distinct orange-yellow or light brownish transverse lines crossing the forewings. A notable diagnostic feature is a tiny, bright orange or brownish spot or smudge located near the middle of the forewing's outer margin. When resting, they hold their wings flat against the surface, showcasing their triangular profile and hiding their light-colored legs beneath.
界Animalia門Arthropoda綱Insecta目Lepidoptera科Geometridae属Macaria
カテゴリ
昆虫レア度
Common
危険度
1/5 · 非常に低い
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おもしろい事実
Despite their small size, their caterpillars can occasionally experience massive population booms, temporarily defoliating small stands of maples.
The common name 'spanworm' comes from the caterpillar's unique walking pattern, which makes it look as though it is measuring the earth inch by inch.
They are highly attracted to ultraviolet light sources, making them a common subject for backyard moth-watching setups.
特殊能力
能力
Looping Locomotion
The caterpillar lacks middle prolegs, forcing it to draw its rear up to its front legs to form a loop before extending forward, a highly efficient crawling technique.
能力
Bark Mimicry
When resting on birch or light-colored tree trunks, the flat, white-and-orange wings of the adult moth blend seamlessly with the bark patterns to avoid detection.
能力
Selective Feeding
Caterpillars selectively feed on maple leaves with lower tannin levels, maximizing nutrient absorption while minimizing defensive chemical intake.
サイズと詳細
- 長さ
- 1-2 cm
- 翼開長
- 2-3 cm
- 体重
- 0.0001-0.0003 kg
- 一度の産卵数
- 50-150
- 抱卵期間
- 5-14 日
食性と食事
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of deciduous trees, specifically maples, while adult moths rarely feed, occasionally sipping nectar.
年齢による違い: Caterpillars feed continuously on leaves, whereas adult moths have reduced mouthparts and feed minimally or not at all.
主な食物
- Red Maple leaves
- Sugar Maple leaves
- Silver Maple leaves
- Boxelder leaves
採餌方法
- Grazing
生態系とのつながり
host plant
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
The primary larval host tree where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed on foliage.
eaten by
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
Birds heavily prey upon the caterpillars and resting adult moths during the summer breeding season.
parasite
Braconid Wasp
Cotesia congregationis
A parasitoid wasp that lays eggs inside the caterpillars, controlling their population.
特徴
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別名
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安全性
危険度
1/5 · 非常に低い
まだ特別な安全上の注意はありません。
よくある質問
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothを見分けるには？
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothを識別する最も簡単な方法は、Snappit自然識別アプリを使用することです。
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothの長さは何ですか？
1-2 cm
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothの翼開長は何ですか？
2-3 cm
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothの体重は何ですか？
0.0001-0.0003 kg
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothは何を食べますか？
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of deciduous trees, specifically maples, while adult moths rarely feed, occasionally sipping nectar.
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothは通常どこに生息していますか？
Found primarily in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly where maple trees are abundant, as well as in wooded suburban parks and gardens.
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothはどのように狩りをしますか？
Grazing
Lesser Maple Spanworm Mothの一度の産卵数は何ですか？
50-150
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