Kent's Geometer Moth
Common NameKent's Geometer Moth
Scientific NamePhigalia strigataria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, orange
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, cherry, willow
Flight PeriodFebruary to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typical 'inchworms' or loopers, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in early spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its early spring flight period, the mottled brown and white pattern with reddish-orange accents, and the scalloped wing margins. Males have fully developed wings, while females are flightless with reduced wings.
Description
This moth has mottled brown, white, and reddish-orange wings with a distinctive wavy or checkered pattern and scalloped margins. Its body is robust and hairy, matching the wing coloration.
