Northern Pine Looper Moth
Common NameNorthern Pine Looper Moth
Scientific NameCaripeta piniata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, cream
HabitatConiferous forests, pine forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsPinus strobus, Pinus spp., Abies balsamea, Tsuga spp.
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars, often green or brown, resembling twigs, and feed on the needles of various conifer trees. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its reddish-brown ground color and the distinct, wavy, cream-colored lines on the forewings, particularly the postmedial line. The overall pattern provides camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, triangular wings, typically warm reddish-brown to tan, marked with prominent, wavy, cream-colored bands that run across the forewings.
