Brown Pine Looper Moth
Common NameBrown Pine Looper Moth
Scientific NameMacaria liturata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsorange-brown, white, grey
HabitatPine woodlands, conifer plantations, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsScots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), other pines, spruce, larch
Flight PeriodMay to August (sometimes a partial second brood in September)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species is typically univoltine (one generation per year) or sometimes bivoltine. Larvae are 'loopers' that feed on conifer needles, pupating in the soil or leaf litter, and overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic orange-brown forewings with two clear, wavy white cross-lines and a prominent white discal spot. The overall coloration and pattern are distinctive among similar geometrid moths.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with orange-brown forewings featuring two prominent wavy white cross-lines and a distinct white discal spot. The hindwings are paler.
