Cream-bordered Thorns
Common NameCream-bordered Thorns
Scientific NameDrapetodes mitaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyDrepaninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cream to orange-brown wings with a prominent dark outer border and often a slightly angled or scalloped wing margin. The overall shape and coloration are key.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat triangular wings, typically cream to orange-brown, often mottled with darker brown, and featuring a prominent dark brown or black band along the outer margin.
