|
|
Nemoria pulcherrima larvae reared ex ova, parent female collected 15 March 2007, San Antonio Canyon, Los Angeles Co., California. Larvae reared on catkins of southern live oak, Quercus virginiana, (not the native host plant in CA). These pulcherrima larvae are notable among Nemoria for the exceptionally pronounced protuberances along the mid-dorsal line, which raise the D1 setae to a position well above the surface of the dorsum (visible on A2 and A3 segments in photo above at right). Lateral protuberances are very well developed on A1, A2, A3 and A4 segments, somewhat reduced on A5. The large projections on the posterior end of the abdomen rising up from the A8 segment bearing the D1 setae are large and resemble the scale of similar structures on Nemoria bifilata and certain Dichorda species. Porter (1986)* notes that the mid-dorsal projections suggest the larval form of Nemoria pulcherrima is closer to Chlorosea larvae rather than typical Nemoria.
*Adam H. Porter, "Life History of Nemoria glaucomarginaria (Barnes & McDunnough) and Larval Taxonomy of the Tribe Nemoriini (Geometridae: Geometrinae)," J. Lep. Soc., 40(4), 1986, 304-314.
*Adam H. Porter, "Life History of Nemoria glaucomarginaria (Barnes & McDunnough) and Larval Taxonomy of the Tribe Nemoriini (Geometridae: Geometrinae)," J. Lep. Soc., 40(4), 1986, 304-314.
|
Nemoria pulcherrima, light brown pupa.
|
|