| Heterocampa subrotata |
| Small heterocampa |
Key Characteristics
The Small heterocampa has an average wingspan of 1.1-1.4 inches (2.8-3.6 cm). The forewing (i.e., upper wing) is variable in color, ranging from mixed gray, whitish, greenish and yellowish brown. The forewing has a fairly large, black reniform crescent-shaped spot about a third of the way in from the outer margin and double, brownish zigzag lines. The hindwing (i.e., lower wing) is dirty whitish to gray.
Status and Rank
- State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
- State Rank: S1S2 - Rank is uncertain, ranging from critically imperiled to imperiled
- Global Rank: G4G5 - Rank is uncertain, ranging from apparently secure to secure
Occurrences
| County Name | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Barry | 1 | 1996 |
| Cass | 2 | 1989 |
Updated 05/08/2013. Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
The Small heterocampa is found in southern Michigan floodplains where its larval host, hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), grows. The species also is associated with lowland shrub, lowland hardwood, and swamp habitats.
Specific Habitat Needs
Host plant needed in Southern hardwood swamp, Floodplain forest, Inundated shrub swamp
Natural Community Types
Management
The Small heterocampa is extremely rare and considered imperiled or critically imperiled in Michigan. Little is known about this species' status, distribution, life history, ecology and threats in the state. Thus, specific management recommendations can not be provided at this time. In general, surveys should be conducted to determine this species' status and distribution. Research to obtain more information about this species' life history and ecology and efforts to assess threats to this species also are warranted. Sites at which this species has been documented should be protected and maintained. Adequate and suitable habitat at these sites need to be maintained including sufficient densities of the species' host plant. Maintenance and preservation of this species' habitats likely include maintaining lateral and longitudinal connectivity, protecting and/or restoring hydrology and controlling invasive species.
Active Period
Flight from third week of May to third week of August
Survey Methods
Larvae are likely present in June to July and again in August to September. In Michigan, adults have been found from mid-May to mid-August. The best way to survey for this species is by blacklighting at night during the adult flight period, a technique whereby a sheet is stretched across two trees or poles and an ultraviolet light is used to attract moths to the sheet. Moths can be collected directly from the sheet. Insects come to light usually in largest numbers on still, dark, cloudy nights when both temperature and humidity are high. Reports of this species should be documented with a voucher specimen or a good photograph and verification by a species expert.
- Blacklighting
- Survey Period: From third week of May to third week of August
- Time: Evening
Humidity: Humid
Cloud Cover: Overcast
Air Temperature: Warm
Survey Comments: Ideal survey conditions but surveys can be conducted under other conditions as well.
- Time: Night
Humidity: Humid
Cloud Cover: Overcast
Air Temperature: Warm
Survey Comments: Ideal survey conditions but surveys can be conducted under other conditions as well.
- Time: Evening
Humidity: Humid
- Survey Period: From third week of May to third week of August
Page Citation
References
Survey References
- Covell, Charles. A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 496 pp.
- Martin, J.E.H. 1977. The Insects and Arachnids of Canada (Part 1): Collecting, preparing, and preserving insects, mites, and spiders. Publication 1643. Biosystematics Research Institute, Ottawa.
Technical References
- Covell, Charles. A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 496 pp.
- Stehr, F. W. 1997. Michigan Lepidoptera Survey Sites and Seasonal Occurrence of Michigan's Listed Species Annual Report 1997. 30 pp.+ MI Lepidoptera Survey Data Collection Form
- Tepley, A. J., J.G. Cohen, and L. Huberty. 2004. Natural community abstract for southern floodplain forest. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 14 pp.
