The Fall Cankerworm Moth is a small, gray geometrid notable because the female is completely wingless. She climbs tree trunks in late autumn or early winter to lay egg masses, while males fly to find her. The caterpillar, a 'looper' or inchworm, can defoliate shade trees in outbreak years. Tree banding with sticky material is used to intercept egg-laying females.
Habitat
Deciduous forests and suburban trees
Diet
Larvae: apple, oak, elm, and other hardwood foliage. Adults: do not feed
How common
Common
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