Petrophora
Hübner, [1811]
Species Guides
2- Petrophora divisata(Common Petrophora Moth)
- Petrophora subaequaria(Northern Petrophora Moth)
Petrophora is a of in the Geometridae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1811. The genus is placed within the Ennominae. It contains approximately six described distributed across Europe and North America. The genus name is derived from Greek roots referring to stone-bearing, though the etymological significance in relation to the moths' remains unclear.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Petrophora: /ˌpɛtrəˈfɔrə/
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Identification
within Petrophora are geometrid moths characterized by typical ennomine features including relatively broad wings and slender bodies. Specific diagnostic characters distinguishing Petrophora from related within Ennominae require examination of genitalic and wing pattern details. The genus may be confused with other brownish geometrid moths with similar wing shapes; accurate identification to species level generally requires reference to original descriptions and literature.
Images
Distribution
Europe (including Denmark and Sweden based on occurrence records) and North America (Vermont, United States, and other parts of the US). Specific range extents for individual within the vary.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ennominae generaSimilar wing shape and coloration patterns; differentiation requires detailed morphological examination
- Pterophoridae (plume moths)GBIF match indicates potential historical confusion or misclassification; Petrophora in Geometridae has broad wings rather than the divided plume-like wings characteristic of Pterophoridae
More Details
Taxonomic note
GBIF records indicate a synonym status for Petrophora Hübner, 1822 linked to Pterophorus in Pterophoridae, but this appears to represent a homonym or classification error rather than a valid taxonomic synonymy. Authoritative sources including Catalogue of Life, NCBI , and iNaturalist consistently place Petrophora Hübner, [1811] as a valid in Geometridae. The 1822 date in some GBIF records likely reflects a subsequent usage or citation rather than original authorship.
Species diversity
Six are currently recognized: P. binaevata (Mabille, 1869), P. chlorosata (Scopoli, 1763), P. convergata (de Villers, 1789), P. divisata Hübner, 1811, P. narbonea (Linnaeus, 1767), and P. subaequaria (Walker in D'Urban, 1860).