Synaxis jubararia

The caterpillar of Synaxis jubararia is one of our larger geometrid caterpillars, but because of its resemblance to a stick is no easier to find than many smaller ones. It is easy to recognize, however, because of the big swollen collar on the first thoracic segment. It feeds on Ocean Spray Holodiscus discolor. Many geometrid and noctuid pupae are very much the same in appearance and probably almost impossible to identify. The fine dark speckles of the pupa of this moth, however, while doubtless not unique to the species, at least allow us to make a guess at its identity.