Dainty Gray
Common NameDainty Gray
Scientific NameChloropteryx tepperaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgray, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender, twig-like loopers that feed on deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, overall grayish-brown coloration, and the distinctive wavy dark lines across both sets of wings. It lacks the green coloration often seen in other Geometrinae.
Description
A small, delicate moth with a mottled grayish-brown appearance, characterized by several wavy, dark lines traversing both forewings and hindwings.
