Contracted Spanworm
Common NameContracted Spanworm
Scientific NameEubaphe mendica
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as 'inchworms' or 'spanworms' due to their distinctive looping locomotion, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, wavy, and mottled grey-and-white pattern with prominent black lines, particularly the discal spot and postmedial line, which can vary in intensity.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a highly cryptic pattern of mottled grey, white, and black bands and wavy lines across its wings, providing excellent camouflage.
