Purple Plagodis Moth
Common NamePurple Plagodis Moth
Scientific NamePlagodis purpuraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorstan, brown, purplish-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August (one or two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are twig mimics, feeding on various deciduous trees before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct two-toned forewing pattern with a sharp, often wavy, demarcation between the lighter basal and darker outer areas. The darker outer band frequently exhibits a subtle purplish sheen.
Description
This moth features a light tan to yellowish-brown basal area on its forewings, sharply contrasting with a broad, darker reddish-brown to purplish-brown outer band. The hindwings are similarly patterned but often paler.
