Dark-banded Geometer Moth
Common NameDark-banded Geometer Moth
Scientific NameEpirrhoe tristata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsblack, cream, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, moorlands, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (Alaska, Canada, northern US)
Host PlantsGalium saxatile, Galium verum, Galium mollugo
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on bedstraws and are typically green or brown for camouflage. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the ground or among leaf litter, with the species overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark ground color with contrasting wavy cream/yellowish bands, especially the broad, dark central band on the forewings, which helps distinguish it from similar geometer moths.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with dark brown to black wings, intricately patterned with wavy cream or yellowish-white bands and a prominent dark central band across the forewings.
