Fawn Ruddy
Common NameFawn Ruddy
Scientific NameScopula rubiginata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, fawn, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, plantain, sorrel
Flight PeriodMay to August (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the overall fawn to reddish-brown coloration, the faint but distinct wavy cross-lines, and the small size. The specific pattern of the postmedian and subterminal lines can help distinguish it from similar *Scopula* species.
Description
A small, slender-bodied moth with fawn to reddish-brown wings, often speckled with darker scales and marked with faint, wavy cross-lines.
