Sagebrush Girdle Moth
Common NameSagebrush Girdle Moth
Scientific NameEupithecia longipalpata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorswhite, brown, grey
HabitatSagebrush steppes, arid shrublands, open dry areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado
Host PlantsBig Sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata*)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on the foliage of sagebrush species, particularly Big Sagebrush. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the intricate white and brown/grey banded pattern on the forewings, especially the prominent white median band, and its strong association with sagebrush habitats.
Description
This small moth exhibits a complex cryptic pattern on its forewings, featuring prominent white, light brown, and dark grey-brown bands and markings, often with a distinct white 'girdle' across the middle.
