Large Maple Spanworm Moth (Prochoerodes lineola)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Large Maple Spanworm Moth.
Updated: 8/29/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Large Maple Spanworm Moth
Thanks to grand variation between individual Large Maple Spanworm Moths, it is possible to think several species are present in the same area.
Some Large Maple Spanworm Moths are yellow, while others are brown, dark brown, and even shades of deep purple. Some have a thin line that transverses flat forewings and abdomen, others have additional dark markings resembling a set of squashed parentheses near the head and still others lack both. Many have a small black dot on the upper half of each hindwing. This species is nocturnal and is attracted to lights at night.
Caterpillars are are brown and thin, resembling twigs. They raise one end of their bodies and stretch outward as if a part of a new branch on a tree. This camouflage affords them some protection form predators like birds and bats. Large Maple Spanworms feed on a variety of trees, including maple. Apple, oak, cheery, willow and poplar are a few. Smaller plants like geraniums, grasses, and sweet fern are also good host plants. This means that adults can be found in a variety of places including hardwood forests, parks, gardens, patios, meadows and orchards. They are active from spring through summer and are common in their vast range.
