Boldly-marked Archips Moth
Common NameBoldly-marked Archips Moth
Scientific NameRheumaptera hastata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatBoreal forests, woodlands, open areas with host plants
Geographic RangeHolarctic: North America (Alaska, Canada, northern US) and Eurasia
Host Plantsbirch, willow, alder, Vaccinium
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brownish with lighter stripes, feeding on the leaves of birch, willow, and other deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter or soil, with the pupa overwintering.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive and bold black and white pattern, particularly the broad, jagged white band across the forewings and the white spots near the apex. This species is a geometrid, not an Archips moth (Tortricidae).
Description
A striking moth with black forewings featuring a broad, irregular white median band and white subterminal spots. The hindwings mirror this black and white pattern. Note: The provided common name 'Boldly-marked Archips Moth' is a misnomer for this species, which is actually a geometrid moth.
