Common Forest Looper
Common NameCommon Forest Looper
Scientific NameLambdina fiscellaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests
Geographic RangeNorth America (from Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Florida and Texas)
Host Plantshemlock, balsam fir, spruce, maple, birch, oak, elm, apple
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, eggs overwinter in bark crevices, larvae (inchworms) feed on foliage in spring, pupate in litter or soil, and adults emerge in late summer to fall.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown/grey wing pattern with distinct wavy lines and bands. Males possess prominent feathery (pectinate) antennae. Can be distinguished from similar species by specific wing markings and geographic range.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, triangular wings typically mottled in shades of brown, grey, and yellowish-brown, featuring darker wavy lines and bands across both forewings and hindwings.
