Maple Spanworm Moth
Common NameMaple Spanworm Moth
Scientific NameEnnomos magnaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsyellow-orange, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, elm, ash, poplar
Flight PeriodAugust to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'spanworms' or 'inchworms' that mimic twigs, feeding on various deciduous tree leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaves, with adults emerging in late summer to fall.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive yellowish-orange color with heavy dark speckling and irregular dark patches. The wings have a somewhat scalloped or wavy margin, and males possess feathery antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with yellowish-orange wings, heavily speckled with dark brown or black spots and irregular darker patches, especially along the margins. Its body is furry and matches the wing color.
