Other Common Names
Pink-bordered Yellow (adult)
Two-pronged Looper (larva)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
described in 1850 by Harris, who originally placed it in genus Geometra
Size
wingspan 29-36 mm, based on CBIF images
Identification
Adult: forewing yellow with distinctive broad pinkish border, although the intensity of the pink margin varies considerably; female slightly larger than male, with coarser dark speckling; hindwing with similar pattern but paler colors
Larva: has two tongue-like lobes along its back, unlike any other looper; coloration and texture is bark-like, making it an excellent twig mimic [descriptions of adult and larva adapted from U. of Alberta site]
Range
coast to coast in Canada, including the arctic, and throughout United States except Florida and Texas
Habitat
deciduous or mixedwood forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas
Season
adults fly from June to September
Food
larvae feed on deciduous shrubs and trees, including alder, blueberry, buckthorn, currant, false azalea, poplar, shrubby cinquefoil, spiraea, willow
Life Cycle
overwinters as an egg, laid on twigs in old alder catkins (McGuffin 1987); pupation lasts for two or three weeks in a loose cocoon among foliage; the pupa is very glossy, reflecting the colors of its surroundings (Tatum 2003)
Remarks
the nocturnal adults resemble yellowed or wilted leaves
Print References
McGuffin, W.C. 1987. Guide to the Geometridae of Canada (Lepidoptera): II. Subfamily Ennominae, 4. Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada. Vol. 138, p. 182.
Internet References
live larva, pupa, and adult images plus other info (Jeremy Tatum, Butterflies and Moths of Southern Vancouver Island)
live adult images of male and female (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
pinned adult image plus common name reference [Pink-bordered Yellow; Two-pronged Looper], description, distribution, biology, habitat, flight season, larval foodplants (Strickland Entomological Museum, U. of Alberta)
pinned adult images of male and two females (James Adams, Dalton State College, Georgia)
common name reference [Sharp-lined Yellow] plus flight season and larval foodplants (Ohio State U.)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 28 July, 2005 - 9:55pm
Additional contributions by
anitagouldLast updated 5 July, 2008 - 4:07pm
