Elm Spanworm Moth
Common NameElm Spanworm Moth
Scientific NameEnnomos subsignaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorswhite, pale green
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, urban and suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantselm, maple, oak, birch, ash, hickory, apple, cherry
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as eggs on tree branches. Larvae, known as spanworms or inchworms, hatch in spring and feed on leaves, pupating in loose cocoons before adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its pure white coloration, scalloped wing margins, and faint wavy lines. The pale greenish tint on the thorax and base of wings is also a helpful identifier.
Description
A medium-sized, pure white moth with a slightly hairy body and often a pale greenish tint on the thorax. Its wings have faint, wavy transverse lines and distinctly scalloped outer margins.
