Dark Metanema Moth
Common NameDark Metanema Moth
Scientific NameMetanema inatomaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsbirch, maple, oak, willow, poplar
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive two dark, wavy bands on a brownish background, often with a lighter median area between them. The angular wing shape is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat angular wings, predominantly brown with two prominent, wavy dark brown transverse bands across both forewings and hindwings, separated by a lighter tan median area.
