Refracted Metarranthis Moth
Common NameRefracted Metarranthis Moth
Scientific NameMetarranthis refractaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, off-white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the wavy brown bands on a pale, speckled background, and the strongly scalloped outer margins of both forewings and hindwings.
Description
This moth has a pale, speckled ground color with prominent, irregular, wavy brown bands across its forewings. Its wing margins are distinctly scalloped, contributing to its camouflaged appearance.
