Plagodis phlogosaria

Distinguished from similar Plagodis species by the straight, unbroken transverse line on the forewing (not angled or wavy). The 'scorched' appearance refers to the dark, somewhat burned-looking wing margins in some individuals. Subspecies identification requires examination of genitalia or geographic provenance.

Adult wingspan 28–38 mm. Forewings typically brown or grayish with a straight, dark transverse line that gives the species its common name. Hindwings paler, often with similar but fainter markings. Overall coloration variable, ranging from light tan to dark brown. Body relatively slender, typical of Geometridae.

Deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and suburban areas with host tree presence. Associated with habitats supporting alder, birch, cherry, and willow.

Present across North America except the far southern United States, Yukon, and Alaska. Documented in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and U.S. states including Vermont. Six subspecies occupy different regions: P. p. iris, P. p. bowmanaria, P. p. approximaria, P. p. keutzingaria, P. p. purpuraria, and P. p. illinoiaria.

Adults fly from April to August; exact timing varies by latitude and elevation. Single or possibly double brooded depending on location.

Larvae feed on leaves of alder (Alnus), basswood (Tilia), birch (Betula), black cherry (Prunus serotina), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), hazel (Corylus), and willow (Salix). Adult feeding habits unknown.

• Alnus - larval hostalder
• Tilia - larval hostbasswood
• Betula - larval hostbirch
• Prunus serotina - larval hostblack cherry
• Prunus virginiana - larval hostchokecherry
• Corylus - larval hosthazel
• Salix - larval hostwillow

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are foliage feeders on deciduous trees. Pupation likely occurs in soil or leaf litter, though specific details are not well documented. Overwintering stage uncertain.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are external leaf feeders, consuming foliage of host plants.

Larvae function as primary consumers, converting tree and shrub foliage into biomass. Adults may serve as prey for bats, birds, and other insectivores. Contribution to nutrient cycling through herbivory and subsequent decomposition.

Occasional minor defoliator of ornamental and forest trees; not considered economically significant. Adults frequently encountered at light traps and in moth surveys. Subject of citizen science documentation through platforms such as iNaturalist.

• Plagodis alcoolariaSimilar size and coloration, but forewing transverse line is more angled or curved rather than straight
• Plagodis pulverariaDistinguished by more diffuse wing patterning and lack of prominent straight transverse line

• moth
• geometrid
• defoliator
• deciduous forest
• North America
• spring
• summer
• nocturnal

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life