Narraga

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Geometroidea
Family: Geometridae
Subfamily: Ennominae
Tribe: Macariini
Genus: Narraga

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Narraga: /nəˈræɡə/

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Summary

Narraga is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, known for their distinct wing patterns and behavior resembling butterflies. They are found in both Eurasia and North America, with several species adapted to specific habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan about 20 mm; upperside of wings light to medium brown (or mostly orangish-yellow in N. stalachtaria) with pale yellowish patches; strongly pectinate antennae, fringe checkered dark brown and white.

Identification Tips

Adults often mistaken for butterflies due to their daytime activity and wing posture; distinguishable by their strongly pectinate antennae.

Habitat

Dry shrublands and sparsely-vegetated sandy areas.

Distribution

Occurs in Eurasia and North America; specific species like F. fimetaria range from Texas and Oklahoma to California, north to southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Diet

Larvae of F. georgiana feed on Shrub Goldenrod (Chrysoma pauciflosculosa); other species presumably feed on snakeweed (Gutierrezia spp.) or other composites.

Life Cycle

Adults fly from May to August in the north, or as early as March in the south; two generations per year.

Evolution

Fernaldella treated as a synonym of Narraga; generic epithet honors Charles H. Fernald (1838-1921).

Similar Taxa

Fernaldella

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for butterflies due to their behavior and wing position.