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.
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Recent Fall Cankerworm Moth sightings near you
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