Straight-lined Plagodis Moth
Common NameStraight-lined Plagodis Moth
Scientific NamePlagodis phlogosaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed woodlands, forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, oak, birch, willow, cherry, ash
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae are twig mimics, camouflaging themselves among branches. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, with the species typically overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the two distinct, relatively straight, and parallel dark transverse lines on the forewings, which stand out against the variable pale yellowish to reddish-brown ground color. The slightly scalloped wing margins are also characteristic.
Description
This moth has pale yellowish to reddish-brown wings, prominently marked with two straight, dark brown or reddish-brown transverse lines on the forewings. The hindwings are similar but often paler with one less distinct line, and the wing margins are slightly wavy.
