Species Insects & ArthropodsCherry Scallop-shell Moth

Cherry Scallop-shell Moth

Rheumaptera prunivorata

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Cherry Scallop-shell Moth (Rheumaptera prunivorata)

The Cherry Scallop-shell Moth is a medium-sized geometrid with scalloped wing margins and a bold brown-and-cream cross-banded pattern. Its caterpillar feeds inside webbed cherry and Prunus foliage. It flies in spring and early summer and is attracted to lights in forested areas. Its strongly scalloped wing margins are unusual among North American geometrids.

Habitat
Deciduous forests with cherry and wild plum
Diet
Larvae: cherry and Prunus foliage. Adults: do not feed
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Cherry Scallop-shell Moth

The best time to see a Cherry Scallop-shell Moth is May–July, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 735 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Cherry Scallop-shell Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Cherry Scallop-shell Moth sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Cherry Scallop-shell 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 Huck

Get an alert when a Cherry Scallop-shell 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.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Chinese Mantis
Chinese Mantis
Tenodera sinensis
Clouded Skipper
Clouded Skipper
Lerema accius
Clouded Sulphur
Clouded Sulphur
Colias philodice
Cloudless Sulphur
Cloudless Sulphur
Phoebis sennae
Clymene Moth
Clymene Moth
Haploa clymene
Colorado Potato Beetle
Colorado Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Common Backswimmer
Common Backswimmer
Notonecta undulata
Common Baskettail
Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosura