Flabellate Looper
Common NameFlabellate Looper
Scientific NameApochima flabellaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards
Host Plantsoak, birch, hornbeam, hazel, elm, lime, willow, poplar
Flight PeriodFebruary to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species is univoltine, with larvae feeding from April to June. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the moth overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include its cryptic bark-like wing pattern, its early flight period in spring, and the strongly bipectinate (flabellate) antennae of the male, which are visible in the image. Females are brachypterous (reduced wings) and rarely seen.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, cryptically patterned wings in shades of brown, grey, and white, featuring wavy darker lines that mimic tree bark. Its body is stout and hairy.
