Purplish Metarranthis Moth
Common NamePurplish Metarranthis Moth
Scientific NameMetarranthis hypochraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, purplish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' (geometrid caterpillars) that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the variable purplish-brown to reddish-brown coloration, the distinct but sometimes faint wavy transverse lines, and the slightly scalloped wing margins.
Description
A medium-sized moth with variable purplish-brown to reddish-brown wings, often marked with darker, wavy transverse lines and a slightly scalloped outer margin.
