No common name
Common NameNo common name
Scientific NameMelinodes detersaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, orange-brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae (inchworms) feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, then pupate in the soil or leaf litter before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its reddish-brown to orange-brown coloration, broad wings with somewhat angular outer margins, and the characteristic wavy transverse lines on the forewings, often with darker shading. Can be confused with other *Melinodes* species.
Description
A medium-sized geometer moth with broad, somewhat angular wings. Its forewings are mottled reddish-brown to orange-brown with darker brown bands and faint wavy lines, providing excellent camouflage.
