317. Indian Blanket Moth

The Indian Blanket Moth (Caripeta aequaliaria), also known as the Red Girdle Moth and the Western Conifer Looper is a common and widespread moth throughout western North America.  The larvae in our area feeds extensively on Douglas-fir but has also been noted feeding on Pines and Western Hemlock.  The larvae, at least the older instars, are grey and mottled "inch worms" that look very much like old, lichen-covered Douglas-fir twigs.