American Oak Beauty
Common NameAmerican Oak Beauty
Scientific NameEnnomos subsignaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, black, cream
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, urban and suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and the Great Plains
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, ash, fruit trees
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that feed on deciduous tree leaves, pupating in a loose cocoon among leaves or bark. Adults emerge in summer, typically having one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive, highly variable mottled pattern of dark and light patches on broad wings, often resembling lichen or bark. Males have noticeably feathery antennae.
Description
This medium-sized moth has broad, somewhat angular wings with a highly variable, mottled pattern of dark brown to black and creamy white patches, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its body is stout and hairy, and males have feathery antennae.
