Epimecis hortaria (tulip-tree beauty moth) (Newark, Ohio, USA) 4 (28731884917)

Description:

Description: Epimecis hortaria (Fabricius, 1794) - tulip-tree beauty moth in Ohio, USA. From Horn (2012): "The tulip-tree beauty is the largest Ohio species in [the Geometrid] family. It resembles most other inchworm moths in having broad wings and a narrow body reminiscent of a butterfly. Like many inchworm moths, the amount of dark scaling is highly variable: some individuals are very light, while melanic (blackish) individuals are known. The pattern of wavy zigzag lines remains consistent, and most inchworm moths have a distinctive pattern. The hindwing of the tulip-tree beauty has a scalloped edge. Inchworm larvae have abdominal prolegs present only at the front and back ends of their bodies. Thus, they move in a distinctive looping gait when in motion. Many inchworms, this species included, are remarkable twig mimics." Classification: Animalia, Arthropoda, Hexapoda, Insecta, Lepidoptera, Geometridae Locality: western side of Newark, central Licking County, central Ohio, USA Reference cited: Horn (2012) - Moths of Ohio Field Guide. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Publication 5467. 79 pp. (wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/i..) See info. at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epimecis_hortaria and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera. Date: 23 July 2018, 12:40. Source: Epimecis hortaria (tulip-tree beauty moth) (Newark, Ohio, USA) 4. Author: James St. John.