Field Marks
This moth mimics a dead leaf. Overall color is considerably variable, from yellowish-tan to dark purple. The PM line is straight and may be edged in white. Also look for white antennae. The moth in this photo is a female. Notice the fat body and FW tapering to a sharp point. Males are smaller and have more rounded wings.
Note scalloped wing margins on HW. The Large Maple Spanworm Moth, Prochoerodes transversata, does NOT have scalloped wing margins.
Range
present throughout
Life History
One generation in the north, at least 2 in the south. Larva is a twig mimic. Pupa overwinters in leaf litter.
Host Plants
Generalist: maple, poplar, aspen, birch, willow, elm, basswood, fir, etc
Similar Species
Prochoerodes transversata
Large Maple Spanworm
Further Information
This moth can actually be one of the largest geometrids in our area. The female in this photo came to my porch light in Powhatan, VA in april 1998. I was surprised by how light and contrasty she was compared with what I usually see.
