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Spring cankerworm moth

Spring cankerworm moth

Paleacrita vernata

A species of Paleacrita

Paleacrita vernata, the spring cankerworm, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by William Dandridge Peck in 1795. It is found in North America from the Atlantic Ocean west to Alberta, Texas and California. The length of the forewings is 11–18 mm for males. The females are wingless. Adult males are on wing from February to late May. The larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, but especially Acer, Ulmus, Betula and Prunus species. Oaks (Quercus) are also affected, and many homeowners place sticky bands around trunks of their trees to trap the migrating adults as they climb the tree to lay eggs. The eggs hatch, turning into numerous inch-long worms that can defoliate and kill a tree. The worms often fall from the canopy onto passersby. Usually they are suspended by a line of silk that they can climb back into the tree along, should a spring wind dislodge them from their meal of leaves.

General Info About Spring cankerworm moth
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Attributes of Spring cankerworm moth
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
wooded area; urban area; leaf; trunk; soil
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, tree sap, decaying fruit, honeydew excreted by aphids, other sweet plant substances
Larva Food Source
Apple tree leaves, cherry tree leaves, blueberry bushes, maple tree leaves, oak tree leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spring cankerworm moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Spring cankerworm moth
Common
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Distribution Area of Spring cankerworm moth
North America
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Life Cycle of Spring cankerworm moth
Egg This stage starts when the spring cankerworm moth lays eggs, often on plant leaves. The eggs are tiny, round, and may be colored or camouflage with the environment for protection.
Larva Emerging from the egg, the larva of spring cankerworm moth is worm-like, with a focus on feeding and growth. It's brightly colored or patterned to warn predators, and molts several times, increasing in size with each stage.
Pupal The spring cankerworm moth enters a dormant phase within a chrysalis attached to foliage, transforming internally. The color blends with surroundings, and the size is dependent on the previous larval mass.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult spring cankerworm moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Spring cankerworm moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous insects, mammals
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Predators of Adult Spring cankerworm moth
Bats, birds, rodents, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Spring cankerworm moth
Tips for Finding Spring cankerworm moth
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Youth Habitat of Spring cankerworm moth
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Spring cankerworm moth
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Spring cankerworm moth
Adult spring cankerworm moth may be attracted to lights or baits made of fermenting sweet substances, while caterpillars might be caught using plants they feed on as bait.
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Habitat Preferences of Spring cankerworm moth Through Different Life Stages
Adults of spring cankerworm moth are commonly found near wooded areas or forests where they lay their eggs on the leaf buds and branches of host trees. Caterpillars, residing on the undersides of leaves, are found in hardwood forests with an abundance of maple, oak, and birch. Pupae are usually hidden in leaf litter or soil close to host trees. Searching for these stages involves inspecting foliage and leaf litter within these environments, often requiring gentle sifting or careful observation of the foliage for signs of feeding or presence.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spring cankerworm moth
The best time to find adult spring cankerworm moth is typically at night when they are most active. The caterpillars can usually be found during the daytime, on their host plants.
Are Spring cankerworm moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Spring cankerworm moth
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Hurt Plant

Larvae of spring cankerworm moth consume leaves of various plants, potentially leading to defoliation. Depending on the population, this can range from mild to severe damage, causing stress and reduced photosynthesis in plants.

More Effects of Spring cankerworm moth

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