Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984) Online Resources: MPG , BugGuide , iNaturalist , Google , BAMONA , GBIF , BOLD Technical Description, Adults: Forbes (1948, as Catopyrrha coloraria ); Schweitzer et al. (2011)Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1948); Wagner et al. (2001); Schewitzer et al. (2011)
Adult Markings: A medium-sized, broad-winged Geometrid, with two seasonal forms: a grayish brown spring form and a yellowish to olivaceous summer form (dissimilaria ). The diffuse, reddish-brown postmedian line is the most conspicuous marking, but an excurved antemedian and a fairly straight median line may be evident, although often obscure (Forbes, 1948). The undersides of the wings -- which are often displayed when the wings are held upright -- are a much brighter yellow and pink. Erastria cruentaria is similar but has a more sharply defined postmedian line that is located further out towards the outer margin; contrasting dark spots may also be present just beyond the postmedian in cruentaria but are not present in coloraria , or representing just a widening of the postmedian (Forbes, 1948).
Adult Structural Features: Antennae of the male are strongly pectinate.
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae illustrated by Wagner et al. (2001) and Schweitzer et al. (201) are gray with bands of lighter and darker gray and narrow whitish lines running the length of the body. Schweitzer et al. state that larvae are recognizable particularly in association with their host plants.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants.