The Fall Cankerworm Moth is a small, gray geometrid notable because the female is completely wingless. She climbs tree trunks in late autumn or early winter to lay egg masses, while males fly to find her. The caterpillar, a 'looper' or inchworm, can defoliate shade trees in outbreak years. Tree banding with sticky material is used to intercept egg-laying females.
Best time to see a Fall Cankerworm Moth
The best time to see a Fall Cankerworm Moth is October–December, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,218 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Fall Cankerworm Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Fall Cankerworm Moth sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Fall Cankerworm Moth? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Fall Cankerworm Moth is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.