Urgedra chlorolepis, commonly known as the Fringed-scallop Moth, is a species of moth belonging to the family Notodontidae, which includes prominent moths. It is native to North America.
Taxonomy and Etymology
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Notodontidae
- Genus: Urgedra
- Species: Urgedra chlorolepis
The specific epithet "chlorolepis" is derived from Greek words "chloros" (green) and "lepis" (scale), likely referring to the greenish scales often found on its wings.
Description The adult Fringed-scallop Moth is characterized by its distinctive scalloped wing margins, particularly on the forewings, which give it its common name. The wings typically feature a mottled pattern of various shades of brown, gray, and sometimes greenish or yellowish scales, especially along the costa and subterminal areas. The hindwings are generally paler, often a uniform grayish or brownish-white. The wingspan ranges from approximately 30 to 40 millimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches). Like other Notodontidae, adults possess prominent thoracic tufts and often rest with their wings held in a tent-like fashion.
The larva (caterpillar) of Urgedra chlorolepis is typically green with a pattern of white or yellow stripes or spots along its body. It often has a rough texture and can be well-camouflaged among the leaves of its host plants.
Distribution and Habitat Urgedra chlorolepis is found throughout much of eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) south through the eastern United States, extending west to states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and occasionally into parts of the Great Plains. Its preferred habitat includes deciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas with mature trees, and mixed forests where its host plants are abundant.
Life Cycle and Host Plants Like most moths, Urgedra chlorolepis undergoes complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Eggs: Laid on the leaves of host plants.
- Larva (Caterpillar): The caterpillars are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a variety of broadleaf trees. Known host plants include various species of oak (Quercus), maple (Acer), birch (Betula), cherry (Prunus), hickory (Carya), and beech (Fagus). They feed on the leaves, growing through several instars.
- Pupa: When fully grown, the larva descends to the ground and pupates in leaf litter or loose soil, often forming a cocoon.
- Adult: Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to lights. Depending on the latitude, there can be one or two broods per year. In more northern regions, there is typically a single brood emerging in late spring to mid-summer. In southern regions, a second brood may emerge in late summer to early autumn.
Behavior Adult moths are active at night and play a role in pollination, though their primary function is reproduction. The caterpillars are defoliators of their host trees, but rarely cause significant damage to healthy trees due to their relatively low population densities.