ExploreInsects

Hemlock Looper Moth

Lambdina fiscellaria

The Hemlock Looper Moth is a small, fuzzy moth that loves to flutter around at night. Its caterpillars are green and can be found munching on hemlock trees, making them special little eaters!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Hemlock Looper Moth has pale grey to tan wings, often marked with faint, wavy dark lines that help it blend into tree bark or lichen. Its slender body is similarly colored, making it well-camouflaged. This pattern distinguishes it from solid-colored moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusLambdina
Hemlock Looper Moth
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Hemlock Looper Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult Hemlock Looper Moths don't eat at all, living only off energy stored as a caterpillar!

Male Hemlock Loopers have fancy, feathery antennae to sniff out females from far away!

Their caterpillars are called 'inchworms' because they move by arching their bodies into a loop!

These moths can cause forests to look like winter in summer, by eating all the needles!

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Disguise

Hemlock Looper Moths can blend perfectly with tree bark because of their mottled grey wings that helps them hide from hungry predators.

Ability

Tree Chomper

Hemlock Looper caterpillars can munch through conifer needles because of their strong mandibles that helps them grow quickly.

Ability

Outbreak Force

Hemlock Looper Moths have large population booms that helps them overwhelm trees during major forest outbreaks.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-45 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young caterpillars munch on tree needles and leaves, while adult moths do not eat at all!

Age differences: Larvae eat tree needles, but adult moths do not feed, relying on stored energy.

Primary Foods

  • Eastern Hemlock
  • Balsam Fir
  • White Spruce
  • Douglas-fir
  • Tamarack
  • Yellow Birch

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch moths or caterpillars without asking an adult, as some can be itchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hemlock Looper Moth's wingspan?

30-45 mm

How big is Hemlock Looper Moth?

15-20 mm

How long does Hemlock Looper Moth live?

7-14 days

What does Hemlock Looper Moth eat?

Young caterpillars munch on tree needles and leaves, while adult moths do not eat at all!

Where is Hemlock Looper Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Hemlock Looper Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Hemlock Looper Moth have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects