Dysbatus stenodesma
Common NameDysbatus stenodesma
Scientific NameDysbatus stenodesma
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, whitish-grey
HabitatArid regions, deserts, scrublands, canyons
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico
Host PlantsAcacia greggii, Acacia constricta
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are 'inchworms' or loopers, feeding on host plants before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic brown and grey mottled wing pattern with wavy lines, and its occurrence in arid regions of the southwestern US and Mexico, often associated with Acacia host plants.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey wings, featuring irregular dark wavy lines that provide excellent camouflage against bark or dry vegetation.
