Banded Falsethorn
Common NameBanded Falsethorn
Scientific NameEpirrhoe alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, tan
HabitatWoodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host PlantsGalium spp. (bedstraws)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on bedstraws. They pupate in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter, with adults emerging in multiple broods throughout the warmer months.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, dark brown median band across the forewings, which often has a lighter central area and a small dark discal spot. The overall coloration is variable but typically mottled brown.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown wings featuring a prominent, often irregular, dark median band and darker subterminal areas on a lighter tan or grayish-brown ground color.
