Panther Moth
Common NamePanther Moth
Scientific NameBiston panterinaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, grey, brown, orange
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East)
Host Plantsbirch, willow, poplar, oak, elm, cherry, apple
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that mimic twigs, feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its striking white and mottled grey/brown pattern, often with distinct yellowish-orange highlights, particularly on the forewings and thorax. The irregular, somewhat 'panther-like' spots are characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with white or cream wings heavily marked with irregular greyish-brown blotches and wavy lines, often featuring yellowish-orange patches near the thorax and wing bases.
