Aspitates aberrata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aspitates aberrata |
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Aspitates
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A. aberrata
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| Aspitates aberrata (H. Edwards, 1884)
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The Aspitates aberrata is a fascinating type of moth. It belongs to a group called Geometridae, which are often known as "inchworm moths" because of how their caterpillars move. This particular moth was first officially described by a scientist named Henry Edwards in 1884.
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Where Does This Moth Live?
This moth calls North America home! You can find it in many places, from northern Minnesota in the United States, all the way north and west into Canada. It lives across southern Manitoba, western Alberta, and even in the Peace River area of British Columbia.
Its Favorite Places
The Aspitates aberrata moth likes to live in specific kinds of environments. It prefers open areas like aspen parklands, which are places with scattered aspen trees and lots of open grassy spaces. It also enjoys low elevation grasslands, which are flat, grassy areas not very high above sea level.
What Does the Aspitates Aberrata Moth Look Like?
These moths are not very big, but they have interesting patterns!
Size and Color
The distance across their wings, called the wingspan, is usually between 27 and 36 millimeters. That's about the length of two to three paperclips! Their main color is a creamy white. However, they are also covered with many tiny brownish-grey scales, which makes them look a bit dusty. These scales are usually thicker on their front wings.
Special Markings
If you look closely at their front wings, you'll see a faint but thick straight grey line. This line runs across the outer part of the wing, from the tip (called the apex) down to the bottom edge. Their back wings have fewer of these dusty scales. They also have a clear grey spot in the middle, known as a discal spot.
Life Cycle of the Moth
The Aspitates aberrata moth has one main life cycle each year.
When to Spot Them
Adult moths are usually active and flying around from the middle of May until the middle of July. This is the best time to see them in their natural habitat.
Different Types of Aspitates Aberrata
Sometimes, a species can have slightly different forms depending on where they live. These are called subspecies.
- Aspitates aberrata aberrata: This type is found in Alberta, Canada.
- Aspitates aberrata assiniboiarus: This type was described by a scientist named Munroe in 1963. It lives in eastern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
