Large Lace-border Moth
Scopula limboundata
Its caterpillars are 'inchworms' that perfectly mimic tiny twigs, stiffening their bodies at an angle to fool hungry birds.
- Scientific name
- Scopula limboundata
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Geometridae › Scopula
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, woodland borders, meadows, and suburban gardens.
- Diet
- Caterpillars feed on low-growing herbaceous plants like clover, dandelions, and blueberry; adults drink flower nectar.
- Range
- North America, Eastern United States, Southern Canada
- Size
- Wingspan of 25-30 mm
- Lifespan
- Up to 1 year (mostly spent as larvae; adults live for only 1 to 3 weeks)
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Light pollution attracting and exhausting adults, habitat loss, and widespread pesticide use.
- Safe to approach?
- This species is completely harmless. You can safely observe it from any distance. Avoid handling it, as touching its wings can rub off the delicate scales that are crucial for its flight and survival. If accidental contact occurs, wash your hands to avoid transferring powdery wing scales to your eyes, which may cause mild irritation.
Scopula limboundata , the large lace-border , is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Haworth in 1809. It is found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains. There is a single and unconfirmed record from Great Britain.
Photo: Fyn Kynd, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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