Yellow-washed Metarranthis Moth
Common NameYellow-washed Metarranthis Moth
Scientific NameMetarranthis obfirmaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, yellowish-orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, cherry, blueberry
Flight PeriodLate April to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars, often cryptic and twig-like, feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation typically occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive yellowish-orange wash across the median area of the wings, contrasting with darker brown basal and marginal areas, and a prominent, often wavy, dark postmedial line. Males have strongly bipectinate antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat angular wings, displaying a mottled pattern of brown and yellowish-orange, with prominent darker brown bands.
