Oak Besma Moth
Common NameOak Besma Moth
Scientific NameBesma quercivoraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, oak savannas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' (loopers) that mimic twigs, feeding on the leaves of host trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic tan to light brown coloration with two distinct, wavy dark brown lines on each wing. The overall pattern can be somewhat mottled or speckled, and the wing margins are subtly scalloped.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with tan to light brown wings, marked by two prominent wavy, darker brown lines across both forewings and hindwings. The wings have a slightly scalloped outer margin.
