Large Lace-border Moth – 7/11/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/11/20

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Large Lace-border Moth

Scientific Name: Scopula limboundata

Comments: Large Lace-border Moths rest with their wings flat making it easy to admire the creamy hues of its wings. There is some variety within the species. Some individuals are mostly white with faint brown waves at the edges of the wings. Others have darker brown patterns on the edges. A few have a large black splotch on the forewings. When viewed together, they all look like they could be related, and indeed are the same species. They all have tiny black dots along the middle parts of the forewings. A yellow fringe runs along the bottom edge of all four wings.

Adults are active from late spring to early autumn. Two broods (families) can be produced each year. Caterpillars are a type of inchworm. They eat leaves on apple and black cherry trees, blueberry bushes, clover and the native wildflower called meadow-beauty.

The gap in the left hind wing of this specimen suggests that it narrowly escaped being eaten by a hungry bird.

More Information: insectidentification.org