Lined Shades
Common NameLined Shades
Scientific NamePhilobia aemulataria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy dark lines on the mottled brown and grey wings, especially the prominent median and subterminal lines, and the scalloped wing margins.
Description
This moth has mottled brown and grey wings with intricate, wavy dark lines, including a prominent median line and a scalloped outer margin, providing excellent camouflage.
