Insect · GBIF taxon 1963848
Large Maple Spanworm Moth
Prochoerodes lineolaAlso known as Large Maple Spanworm
Large maple spanworm moths exhibit remarkable leaf-mimicking camouflage, with angular wing margins and distinctively pointed forewing tips that blend seamlessly among fallen foliage. Their caterpillars resemble brown twigs, complete with bark-like textures and subtle knobs that allow them to stand stiffly at an angle to trick hungry birds. Widespread across eastern and central North America, adults fly from spring through autumn and frequently visit artificial lights after dark.
NocturnalCamouflagedMoth
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Leaves of Acer (maple)
- Leaves of Betula (birch)
- Leaves of Quercus (oak)
Predators
- Insectivorous bats
- Songbirds
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide use, heavy light pollution, and forest fragmentation
HabitatsDeciduous forests, mixed woodlands, suburban yards, and parks
Life span1 to 2 weeks as adults (up to 1 year total lifespan)
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyGeometridae
- GenusProchoerodes
- SpeciesProchoerodes lineola
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Lighting: Attract adult moths after dark using porch lights or blacklight setups against a white sheet.
- Searching: Look closely at tree branches during the day, where caterpillars align straight out like dead twigs.
- Handling: Allow resting adults to walk gently onto an open hand without rubbing their delicate wing scales.
Host Plant (c) James St. John, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) eml23, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) CatherineK, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
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