Petelia medardaria
Common NamePetelia medardaria
Scientific NamePetelia medardaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatTropical forests, woodlands, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Philippines)
Host PlantsMangifera indica, Lannea coromandelica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical habitats
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (a 'looper' caterpillar, often camouflaged), pupa, and adult moth. Larvae feed on specific host plants, primarily from the Anacardiaceae family.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled brown/grey cryptic coloration, the broad, somewhat angular wings, and the presence of small, often yellowish discal spots on both forewings and hindwings, along with faint wavy transverse lines. The resting posture with wings spread flat is typical for many Geometrids.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat angular wings, displaying a mottled pattern of various shades of brown and grey, often with faint darker transverse lines and small, sometimes yellowish or orange, discal spots.
