Large Maple Spanworm
Common NameLarge Maple Spanworm
Scientific NameProchoerodes forficaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, oak, birch, cherry, elm, willow
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine or multivoltine depending on latitude)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'spanworms' or 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, with the species typically overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively large size for a geometrid, the distinctly scalloped wing margins, and the mottled brown/gray coloration with subtle wavy lines and a small, often indistinct, discal spot on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, scalloped wings, typically mottled in shades of brown and gray, featuring faint wavy lines and a small dark discal spot on the forewing.
