Ennomos magnaria
Guenée, [1858]
Maple Spanworm Moth, Notched Wing Moth, Notched-wing Geometer, Notch-wing Moth
A medium-sized geometrid with distinctive autumn leaf-like camouflage. are active from July through early November, with a single per year. The is notable for its notched wing margins and habits, often resting on buildings during daylight hours.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ennomos magnaria: /ɛnˈnoʊməs mæɡˈnɛəriə/
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Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 43–60 mm. Wings are broad with notched or scalloped outer margins, resembling a dried autumn leaf in shape and coloration—typically yellow-brown to orange-brown with variable darker markings. The overall cryptic appearance provides effective camouflage against fallen foliage.
Distribution
Coast to coast in southern Canada and the northern United States. Eastern range extends south to Florida and Louisiana; western range extends south to California. Canadian records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Seasonality
active July to early November. One per year.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of multiple deciduous tree : Alnus (alders), Fraxinus (ashes), Tilia (basswoods/lindens), Betula (birches), Ulmus (elms), Carya (hickories), Acer (maples), Quercus (oaks), and Populus (poplars/cottonwoods).
Life Cycle
(one per year). emerge in mid-summer and remain active through autumn.
Behavior
are . Has been observed resting on buildings during daylight hours.
Human Relevance
Occasionally encountered at -attracting lights at residential locations.