Straw Besma Moth
Common NameStraw Besma Moth
Scientific NameBesma endropiaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorstan, brown, yellow
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, cherry, willow
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are twig mimics, feeding on various deciduous trees. They typically overwinter as pupae in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall straw-yellow, speckled appearance and the relatively straight, faint postmedial lines, especially on the hindwings. The forewing apex is somewhat pointed.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with straw-yellow to light tan wings, heavily speckled with fine brown dots, and faint, wavy postmedial lines on both forewings and hindwings.
