Zigzag Fern Looper
Common NameZigzag Fern Looper
Scientific NameVenusia comptaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, areas with ferns
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Manitoba and Texas
Host PlantsPolypodium virginianum, other fern species
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into 'looper' caterpillars that feed on ferns, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the prominent, jagged, dark brown zigzag lines on the forewings, which contrast with the mottled brown and pale cream background. The hindwings are generally paler with a less distinct wavy line.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and cream wings, characterized by prominent dark brown zigzag lines across the forewings.
