Page 495 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Geometridae
DISTRIBUTION Northwest Africa, across Europe, through the Caucasus to
northern Iran, and across Russia to northeast China
HABITAT Woodlands, orchards, grasslands, parks, and gardens
HOST PLANTS Various deciduous trees and shrubs, including Apple (Malus
pumila), birch (Betula spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), Prunus spp.,
and willow (Salix spp.)
NOTE Defoliating caterpillar that is considered a pest species
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but very common

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –1 ⁄ in (30–40 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1 ⁄ –1⅜ in (30–35 mm)

ERANNIS DEFOLIARIA
MOTTLED UMBER 493
(CLERCK, 1759)

Mottled Umber caterpillars hatch from chains of pale brown,
oval eggs deposited on the bark of the host plant. Once laid,
the eggs overwinter and then hatch the following spring. The
larvae are gregarious, staying in a group and spinning leaves
together to create a shelter, in which they remain hidden from
predators, dropping to the ground if disturbed. Pupation takes
place underground in a cocoon.

The female Mottled Umber moth is wingless, has a spiderlike
appearance, and remains on the host tree. The nocturnal male
moths, all part of a single generation, are on the wing from
October to December and are attracted to light. They rest on
trees, fences, and walls during the day. The caterpillars damage
the ower buds and leaves of the host plant, and infestations

of larvae can defoliate entire trees in orchards and woodlands.
As a result, the species is considered a pest.

Actual size

The Mottled Umber caterpillar has a slender,
elongated shape. It is quite variable in color, with
shades of green, orange brown, and dark brown.
The head is usually orange brown. The dorsal
surface is brown, while the underside is green,
with a dark lateral stripe in between. There are
widely spaced short hairs.