Spanworm
Guides
Cabera variolaria
Vestal Moth, the vestal, pink-striped willow spanworm
Cabera variolaria is a species of geometrid moth commonly known as the Vestal Moth or pink-striped willow spanworm. It is native to North America and belongs to the family Geometridae, which includes many species commonly called inchworms or spanworms due to their characteristic larval movement. The species has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 6678.
Ceratonyx arizonensis
Ceratonyx arizonensis is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It belongs to the genus Ceratonyx, which contains species commonly known as spanworms or loopers. The species epithet 'arizonensis' indicates its association with Arizona. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species in available sources.
Ematurga amitaria
Cranberry Spanworm Moth
Ematurga amitaria, known as the cranberry spanworm moth, is a species of geometrid moth described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or spanworms due to their characteristic larval locomotion. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada and the northern United States. Its common name references an association with cranberry plants, though specific ecological relationships require further documentation. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6436 in North American lepidopteran classification systems.
Ennomos subsignaria
Elm Spanworm Moth
Ennomos subsignaria is a geometrid moth native to North America, commonly known as the elm spanworm moth. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm and fly from late May to August, with one generation per year. The species is a generalist herbivore whose larvae feed on elm, apple, birch, maple, and oak. Research has documented its clumped intra-tree distribution on mature sycamore maple, with oviposition concentrated on the lower bole and larval development progressing from proximal to distal branches of the lower crown.
Lycia ursaria
Stout Spanworm Moth, Bear
Lycia ursaria is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the stout spanworm moth or bear. First described by Francis Walker in 1860, it occurs in southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on leaves of various broadleaved trees and shrubs. The species has a single generation per year.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Prochoerodes lineola
Large Maple Spanworm Moth, Large Maple Spanworm
Prochoerodes lineola, commonly known as the large maple spanworm moth, is a geometrid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 35–50 mm and are active from April to October in southern regions and July to September in northern areas. The caterpillars are generalist feeders known to consume leaves from numerous woody and herbaceous plants. The species occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and north to Alberta.