Pale-winged Macaria
Common NamePale-winged Macaria
Scientific NameMacaria colata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatConiferous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host PlantsTsuga canadensis, Abies balsamea, Pinus strobus, Picea spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that feed on conifer needles, pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale ground color with distinct wavy dark lines and mottled appearance. It can be distinguished from similar *Macaria* species by the specific pattern of the postmedial line and the extent of dark shading.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with pale gray to whitish wings mottled with irregular dark brown or blackish wavy lines and patches, often with a prominent dark discal spot on the forewing.
