Metrocampa biplaga Walker

Young, Catherine J., 2006, Descriptions of the eggs of some southern Australian Geometridae (Lepidoptera), Zootaxa 1287, pp. 1-294 : 1-294

Metrocampa biplaga Walker (Figs 622–627)

Oviposition

2♀ code nos.: G344, G345.

Oviposition period: 15–21 Mar.

Batch size range: 10–50; (n = 3)

Realised fecundity (range): 10–85

Incubation time (days) 9–14 (n=12)

Batch configuration and attachment: Loosely attached, on the underside of leaves, singly (Fig. 622).

Colour: White to pale greenish­yellow, becoming pale greenish­yellow with brownish­orange blotches forming around lateral circumference (Fig. 622), then transparent on maturity.

Size (mm): (n=10) L = 0.90 ± 0.00, W = 0.82 ± 0.01, T = 0.74 ± 0.01

Width/length: 0.91

No. of females: 2

Aeropylar opening size (m) (n=7): L = 2.25 ± 0.03, W = 1.64 ± 0.09.

Relative aeropylar opening size: 2.7

Micropyles: Distinct (Figs 623 & 624)

No. of openings: 4

No. of cells in rosette: 5

No. of rows of cells in micropylar area: 3

Shape: Sub­globular, anterior pole slightly truncated, dorso­ventrally flattened (Figs 622 & 625).

Characteristics: Egg distinctly marked on all surfaces by hexagonal, slightly convex cells with moderately broad, recessed walls (Figs 623, 625–627), except walls narrowly reticulated in micropylar area (Fig. 624). Aeropyles elevated, openings moderately small (Fig. 626), present on all surfaces apart from wider, lateral side (Fig. 627). Rosette cells, secondary cells in micropylar area slightly recessed (Fig. 624). Chorion generally smooth, undulating (Fig. 627), rougher on anterior pole (Figs 623 & 626).