the autumnal moth ("epirrita autumnata") is a moth of the family geometridae. the species was first described by moritz balthasar borkhausen in 1794. it is found throughout the palearctic region and the near east and has a much wider distribution than its two close relatives (see below). in sápmi (lapland), in some years the numerous autumnal moth larvae defoliate square miles of birch forests on mountains.