Big Poplar Looper
Common NameBig Poplar Looper
Scientific NameTetracis cervinaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (from British Columbia south to California and east to Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico)
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix, Betula, Alnus
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, especially poplar and willow. Pupation likely occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall mottled brown coloration, the two prominent wavy lines across both forewings and hindwings, and the small dark discal spot on the forewings. The slightly scalloped wing margins are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled light to dark brown wings, featuring two distinct wavy transverse lines and a small dark discal spot on each forewing. The wing margins are slightly scalloped.
