OAK BESMA

OAK BESMA

Besma quercivoraria
GEOMETRID MOTH FAMILY (Geometridae)

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The Oak Besma has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches. The sexes are dimorphic. The female’s forewing is pale tan with a fine, straight post median line and a scalloped subterminal line. The forewing of the male has brown to red-brown shading beyond the PM line. The wing veins are darker than the ground color on all wings. Each wing usually has a small, black dot. Both sexes have a pointed projection mid-way along the outer margin. The caterpillar is a green or brown twig mimic with red or black swellings and warts. The head is reddish brown. When mature it is 1.5 inches long.

 

The frequency of occurrence is not known. The individual shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late April. Adults are attracted to artificial lights.

 

The larva eats the leaves of elm, oak, poplar and willow. The pupa overwinters.

 

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