Sweetfern Geometer Moth
Common NameSweetfern Geometer Moth
Scientific NameMacaria pustularia
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsmaple, sweetfern, birch, oak
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'spanworms' or 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsIdentified by its small size, mottled grey and white coloration, and the presence of distinct, often ringed, discal spots on both forewings and hindwings. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend with bark or lichen.
Description
A small, mottled grey and white moth with speckled wings, featuring small dark discal spots and faint wavy lines, providing excellent camouflage.
