White-spotted Cankerworm Moth
Common NameWhite-spotted Cankerworm Moth
Scientific NamePaleacrita punctata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, urban areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, elm, apple, cherry, birch, ash, basswood
Flight PeriodOctober to April (late fall to early spring)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'inchworms' or loopers, known for defoliating various deciduous trees. Adult females are wingless and crawl up trees to lay eggs.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent white spot on the forewing and the mottled brown coloration. The flight period in late fall or early spring is also a key identifier, as is the wingless female.
Description
This moth has mottled brown forewings with a distinct white discal spot and faint darker wavy lines. The hindwings are typically paler brown.
