Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Common NameLesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Scientific NameSperanza pustularia
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorswhite, brown, orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, alder, elm, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender, green 'spanworms' or 'loopers' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in leaf litter or soil, and there are typically two to three generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall white coloration with characteristic faint, wavy brownish-orange transverse lines and marginal spots, particularly the two prominent lines on the forewings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with translucent white wings adorned with two faint, wavy brownish-orange lines and scattered brownish spots, especially along the outer margins.
