Pale Metanema Moth
Common NamePale Metanema Moth
Scientific NameMetanema inatomaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, pale orange
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsbirch, maple, oak, willow, poplar
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are 'inchworms' that feed on leaves and pupate in a loose cocoon among leaf litter or soil. Typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale gray to brownish wings with two distinct, wavy, pale orange transverse lines and a dark discal spot on the forewings. The scalloped wing margins are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale gray to brownish wings, often mottled, featuring two prominent wavy pale orange lines across the forewings and a small dark discal spot. The wing margins are irregularly scalloped, aiding in camouflage against tree bark.
