# Large Lace-Border Moth (*scopula limboundata*) The Large Lace-Border Moth has beautiful lace-like patterns on its wings that look like delicate art. These moths are most active at night and love to flutter around lights, creating a magical sight! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Snaps:** 25 - **Habitat:** Large Lace-Border Moths are commonly found in gardens, forests, and fields across North America. - **Also known as:** Lace Moth, Lace-Border Moth, Scopula Moth ![Large Lace-Border Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/-_7159_%E2%80%93_Scopula_limboundata_%E2%80%93_Large_Lace-border_Moth_%2814181040348%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_7159_%E2%80%93_Scopula_limboundata_%E2%80%93_Large_Lace-border_Moth_%2814181040348%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Large Lace-Border Moth has pale yellow to creamy white wings, each featuring a distinct wavy, dark brown or black border resembling delicate lace. A small, dark discal spot is often visible on each wing. Its slender body usually matches the lighter wing color. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Geometridae - **Genus:** Scopula ## Interesting facts - Its caterpillars are called "inchworms" because they move by looping their bodies! - Some Lace-Border Moths can have several generations in just one year! - The adult moths often rest with their wings held flat, showing off their unique borders. - They are part of a huge moth family called Geometridae, meaning "earth measurers". ## Special abilities - **Pattern Disguise:** Large Lace-Border Moth has intricate, wavy patterns on its wings that create a visual illusion, helping it blend into varied backgrounds. - **Nocturnal Explorer:** Large Lace-Border Moths can see well in low light, allowing them to navigate and find mates and nectar sources after sunset. - **Chemical Communicator:** Male Large Lace-Border Moths use powerful chemical signals called pheromones to find females across significant distances. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-35 mm - **Size:** 12-18 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 10-20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding As caterpillars, they munch on plant leaves; as adults, they typically do not eat or just sip water. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars eat plant leaves; adult moths typically do not feed or only sip water/nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Acer rubrum, Betula papyrifera, Salix bebbiana, Prunus serotina, Vaccinium corymbosum ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Red Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-maple) (*Acer rubrum*) — Larvae eat leaves - **Eats:** [Paper Birch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/paper-birch) (*Betula papyrifera*) — Larvae eat leaves - **Eats:** Bebb Willow (*Salix bebbiana*) — Larvae eat leaves - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Adult moths are prey - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Adult moths are prey ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Large Lace-Border Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Large Lace-Border Moth's wingspan? 25-35 mm ### How big is Large Lace-Border Moth? 12-18 mm ### How long does Large Lace-Border Moth live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Large Lace-Border Moth fly? 10-20 km/h ### What does Large Lace-Border Moth eat? As caterpillars, they munch on plant leaves; as adults, they typically do not eat or just sip water. ### Where is Large Lace-Border Moth usually found? Large Lace-Border Moths are commonly found in gardens, forests, and fields across North America. ### How many legs does Large Lace-Border Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Arden Park–East Boston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arden-park-east-boston-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Downtown Ossining Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-ossining-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District - [Gary City Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gary-city-center-historic-district) — Indiana, US · Historic District - [Gloucester Downtown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gloucester-downtown-historic-district) — Virginia, US · Historic District - [Kickapoo State Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kickapoo-state-recreation-area) — Illinois, US · State Park - [Oak Ridge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/oak-ridge-historic-district) — Tennessee, US · Historic District [View all places to see Large Lace-Border Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/large-lace-border-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Large Lace-Border Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/large-lace-border-moth)