Species Prochoerodes lineola - Large Maple Spanworm - Hodges#6982

6982

Prochoerodes transversata

and 6 other synonyms listed at All-Leps

one of 7 species in this genus in North America listed at All-Leps

2 subspecies: P. l. incurvata; P. l. lineola

common throughout range

Wingspan 35-50 mm (1)

Adult: wing color varies from yellowish to light brown to dark brown, with or without blackish shading; outer margins of wings angular with shallow point near middle, but not scalloped or wavy; short upper section of postmedial line (near costa) curves outward, not inward [compare similar species in See Also section below]

Larva: a slender twig mimic, abdomen brown above, yellowish below; lateral stripe whitish; spiracles beige, outlined in brown

eastern two-thirds of North America: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas, north to Alberta; the only Prochoerodes species in the east

mixedwood and deciduous forests and woodlands; adults are nocturnal and come to light

adults fly April-October in the south; July-September in the north (Alberta)

Larvae feed on leaves of apple, birch, blueberry, cherry, currant, geranium, grass, maple, oak, poplar, soybean, sweetfern, walnut, willow, and other plants.

The common name of Large Maple Spanworm may be confused with Maple Spanworm (Ennomos magnaria), and Lesser Maple Spanworm (Macaria pustularia).

Earlier comments on guide page--perhaps worth retaining:

Large Maple Spanworm Moth

I sent this to Bob Belmont, an expert in Geometrids. This is his shortened response:

"This is 6982 - Prochoerodes transversata [lineola]. The smooth transition to a point on the hind wing margins, tranversata is always like this, not wavy, or not smooth. This species is extremely variable from light to dark (this is one of the darkest shades) and with many markings. Eventually, I'll try and send a series of a dozen or more photos [for his plate series at MPG] that comprise stepping stones within the range of this species."

… Bob Patterson, 27 February, 2005 - 10:44pm

… john and jane balaban, 1 March, 2005 -

Curve-toothed Geometer (Eutrapela clemataria) hindwing outer margin is scalloped or wavy, and the short upper section of its forewing PM line (near costa) curves inward, not outward

Confused Eusarca (Eusarca confusaria) hindwing outer margin is rounded, the short upper section of its forewing PM line (near costa) is missing or faint, and overall color is usually pale tan or light brown

Juniper Geometer (Patalene olyzonaria) hindwing outer margin is rounded, the short upper section of its forewing PM line (near costa) curves inward, not outward

(compare images of all four species at CBIF)

species of Synaxis and Tetracis have a completely straight PM line on forewing, not hooked near costa

Covell, p. 373, plate 56 #2 (1)

Wagner, Caterpillars of Eastern North America, p. 193--photos of caterpillar and specimen of adult (2)

live adult images and dates (Lynn Scott, Ontario)

live adult images plus dates and common name reference (Bob Patterson, Maryland)

pinned adult image plus description, habitat, flight season, similar species, foodplants, distribution (G.G. Anweiler, U. of Alberta)

pinned adult image (CBIF)

dead larva image (Pedro Barbosa, U. of Maryland)

distribution in Canada list of provinces (CBIF)