Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands
Melanolophia imitata [Geometridae]
Wingspan 3.7 cm. Forewing is a dull mottled brown with narrow wavy lines and small black marginal spots. This geometrid is common and widely distributed in western North America. Moths fly in early spring. Caterpillars feed on the foliage of species of Pinaceae, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).
Similar species: Hesperumia latipennis wings with more gray, moths fly in midsummer; Neoalcis californiaria forewing with more sharply defined wavy lines and lacking the submarginal spots, moths fly in late summer to fall; Protoboarmia porcelaria is smaller, moths fly in midsummer.
Previous Species -- Protoboarmia porcelaria
Return to Listing of Geometridae
Next Species -- Biston betularia
