Cepphis

Hübner, [1823]

Species Guides

2

Cepphis is a of in the Geometridae, Ennominae. The genus contains three recognized distributed across northern North America and parts of Europe. Members are commonly known as thorn moths or scallop moths based on the distinctive wing margins of their constituent species.

Cepphis armataria by David Dodd. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Scallop Moth, Cepphis armataria -25959, Det. R. Hannawacker, Lake Katherine, Oneida County, Wisconsin. 6 July 1940 H.M. Bower (49550984757) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.Cepphis decoloraria SERC 06-06-15 0003 (19088381930) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cepphis: //ˈsɛf.ɪs//

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Identification

in this are distinguished by scalloped or notched outer wing margins, a trait reflected in such as "little thorn" and "scallop moth." The genus is placed in Ennominae based on genitalic and wing venation characters typical of that . Specific identification to species level requires examination of wing pattern details and male genitalia.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and northeastern North America (Vermont and broader United States). Distribution patterns suggest a Holarctic range with disjunct .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Ennominae generaSimilar wing shapes and resting postures; distinguished by specific scallop patterns and genitalic structures.

More Details

Etymology

The name Cepphis is of unclear derivation; it does not appear to reference a classical figure or descriptive trait.

Taxonomic history

Authorship is attributed to Hübner with date [1823], though some sources cite 1825. The has remained stable with three included since the 19th century.

Sources and further reading