Yellow-headed Looper Moth
Common NameYellow-headed Looper Moth
Scientific NameXanthotype sospeta
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrownish-grey, yellowish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsmaple, oak, birch, willow, cherry, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that are well-camouflaged as twigs. They feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs and pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the relatively uniform dull coloration of the wings, which can range from brownish-grey to yellowish-brown, and the distinctly yellow head and thorax. It can be distinguished from similar *Xanthotype* species by its less prominent wing markings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with uniformly dull brownish-grey to yellowish-brown wings, often showing very faint transverse lines. The head and thorax are typically a more distinct yellow.
