National Moth Week 2023 - The Tulip-tree Beauty Moth
Epimecis hortaria, also known as the Tulip-tree beauty, is one of the largest moth species of the Geometridae family. Found in the Ennominae subfamily (also the largest within Geometridae) this moth is predominantly found in eastern North America ranging from southern Canada to Florida and into Texas. The Geometridae are famous for their inchworm caterpillars, some of which are serious agricultural pests. They can be seen flying from late March to early October in northern states; but in Florida, they can be on wing year round. Adults are nocturnal and are highly attracted to lights, much to the same extreme as imperial moths (a significant detriment to their populations in urban landscapes). It has a wingspan of 43–55 millimeters. There are two forms, one being "Dendraria" and the other being "Carbonaria" which correlate to patterns on their forewings (their subterminal line, specifically) The immature caterpillars can be found feeding on deciduous trees, including...