Prochoerodes lineola

Adults can be recognized by the combination of medium size (35–50 mm wingspan), pale forewings with fine wavy transverse lines, and a distinct discal spot. The overall pattern is relatively subdued compared to many other geometrids. Caterpillars are identified by their looping movement and generalist feeding on diverse host plants. Similar species in the genus Prochoerodes and related geometrids may require examination of genitalia or molecular markers for definitive identification.

Adults have a wingspan of 35–50 mm. The forewings are typically pale with fine, wavy transverse lines and a distinct discal spot. Wing coloration varies from light tan to grayish-brown with darker markings. The body is relatively slender, typical of geometrid moths. Caterpillars are elongate, slender loopers with reduced prolegs, moving with a characteristic looping gait.

Occurs in diverse wooded and semi-open habitats including deciduous forests, forest edges, riparian corridors, and suburban areas where host plants are present. Found from sea level to moderate elevations across its broad North American range.

Native to North America. Range extends from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Alberta. Present throughout eastern and central United States and southern Canada.

Adults are on wing from April to October in the southern part of the range, and from July to September in northern regions. Multiple generations likely occur in warmer areas.

Larvae feed on leaves of a wide range of plants including apple (Malus), birch (Betula), blueberry (Vaccinium), cherry (Prunus), currant (Ribes), geranium (Geranium), grasses (Poaceae), maple (Acer), oak (Quercus), poplar (Populus), soybean (Glycine max), sweetfern (Comptonia), walnut (Juglans), and willow (Salix). Adult feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae are the feeding stage and develop through multiple instars before pupating. Specific details of pupation site and overwintering stage are not documented in available sources.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvars exhibit characteristic looping locomotion due to reduced number of prolegs. Specific mating behaviors, dispersal patterns, or other behavioral details are not documented in available sources.

Larvae function as generalist herbivores, consuming foliage of diverse woody and herbaceous plants. Their broad host range suggests they play a role in nutrient cycling and energy transfer in deciduous forest and edge habitats. They serve as prey for various parasitoids and predators, including ichneumon wasps such as Coccygomimus sanguinipes.

Occasional pest of apple, cherry, and soybean, though not considered a major agricultural pest. Caterpillars may cause minor defoliation in orchards and crops. Adults are encountered by moth enthusiasts and at light-trapping events.

• Prochoerodes truxaliataCongeneric geometrid moth with similar size and wing pattern; distinguished by subtle differences in wing markings and genitalia
• Prochoerodes forficariaRelated geometrid with overlapping range; distinguished by wing shape and pattern details, and is a documented host for Coccygomimus sanguinipes
• Other Geometridae in tribe BoarmiiniMany share similar cryptic coloration and looping caterpillars; require detailed examination for identification

• moth
• Geometridae
• spanworm
• generalist herbivore
• North America
• looping caterpillar
• light-attracted

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
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