The Geometrician
Common NameThe Geometrician
Scientific NameGrammia ornata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, cream, pale yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Montana and Colorado)
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, clover, alfalfa, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as 'woolly bears', are hairy and polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants. They typically overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark forewings with distinct creamy-white bands, particularly the broad, somewhat triangular central band and the wavy subterminal band. Hindwings (if visible) are typically orange or red with black spots.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown to black forewings marked by prominent, irregular creamy-white or pale yellow bands, including a broad central band and a wavy subterminal band.
