Hemlock Looper Moth
Common NameHemlock Looper Moth
Scientific NameLambdina fiscellaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale brown, grey-brown, dark brown
HabitatConiferous and mixed forests
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread, particularly eastern Canada and northeastern US)
Host Plantseastern hemlock, balsam fir, spruce, white pine, tamarack, cedar
Flight PeriodLate August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as eggs laid on host tree bark. Larvae, known as loopers or inchworms, emerge in spring to feed on conifer needles. Pupation occurs in cocoons on foliage or in litter, with adults emerging in late summer and fall.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic pale, mottled wings with two prominent, wavy, dark lines on the forewings and often one on the hindwings. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale, mottled wings featuring distinct, wavy, dark grey-brown lines that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark or lichen.
