Lophophleps purpurea
Common NameLophophleps purpurea
Scientific NameLophophleps purpurea
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspurplish-brown, grey, yellowish-tan
HabitatWoodlands, forests, and areas with suitable host plants.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas).
Host PlantsUndocumented, likely broadleaf trees or shrubs
Flight PeriodFebruary to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are 'inchworms' (loopers) typical of the Geometridae family, feeding on foliage.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive purplish-brown and yellowish-tan mottled pattern with wavy lines on the forewings, and its small size (wingspan around 20mm).
Description
A small moth with broad, somewhat rounded wings displaying a mottled pattern of purplish-brown, grey, and yellowish-tan, often with wavy transverse lines across the forewings.
