The Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria), also commonly called the Mournful Thorn, can be found coast to coast in Canada and adjacent parts of US. Females lay eggs from late July into October. The eggs overwinter and hatch from late May to mid-June with the emerging caterpillars feeding on Firs, hemlocks, oaks, and spruces. The Hemlock Looper is considered a “forest pest”, and can sometimes cause severe defoliation of conifers.
Size: 1.25 – 1.8 inch wingspan
Photo by: Kelly Dix on 10/2/21 near Condon, MT