Winter Moth Larvae

The Winter Moth Larvae is one of the many non-native creatures you can find in one of the Pickaway County Parks, woods or even in your Pickaway County backyard.
Scientific name: Operophtera Brumata.

Coloration (of adult), male: Forewing color varies from grey-yellow to beige-brown or, occasionally, a slight-red tint. Patters are commonly band-shaped with a dark brownish color.  Fringe has a yellowish shade. Hindwings are a pale-grey or yellow-grey. Antennae are short, finely haired.

Species place of origin: Europe, The Near East.

Spotted in the US: Yes. Introduced to the state of Oregon in the 1950’s. First sightings of moth/caterpillar damage (defoliation) was in the late 1990’s.

The Winter Moth/Caterpillar is a species of from the family Geometridae (Geometer moths, derives from the Ancient Greek geo γῆ or γαῖα “the earth”, and metron μέτρον “measure”, referencing to the way their larvae (Inchworms) appear to “measure the earth” as the move across the terrain.

Identification (of larvae): Two pairs of hind legs indicates that it is the Winter Moth larvae. More than two pairs would be your regular Inchworm.