Narraga fimetaria

(Grote & Robinson, 1870)

Green Broomweed Looper Moth, Green Broomweed Looper

Narraga fimetaria is a geometrid commonly known as the green broomweed looper. It is native to North America and has been studied primarily in central Texas, where its larvae feed exclusively on broomweed (Gutierrezia spp.). The completes development from to in approximately 30-34 days under favorable conditions. Adults emerge in spring and fall, with potential for overlapping depending on seasonal conditions.

Narraga fimetaria by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Narraga fimetaria by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Narraga fimetaria: /nəˈræɡə fɪˈmɛtəriə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Larva is a green looper caterpillar with typical geometrid locomotion—arching the body in a looping movement due to reduced . Specific diagnostic characters distinguishing it from other green geometrid larvae in its range are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Central Texas rangelands and areas infested with broomweed (Gutierrezia spp.); occurs in loose soil or leaf litter.

Distribution

Central and North America; documented in central Texas, USA with study sites at College Station.

Seasonality

occurs in spring (March–April) and fall (September–October); overlapping possible depending on temperature and availability.

Diet

Larvae feed on broomweed (Gutierrezia spp., Asteraceae), specifically Gutierrezia dracunculoides and Gutierrezia texana; diet not documented.

Host Associations

Gutierrezia dracunculoides - larval field and laboratory confirmed
Gutierrezia texana - larval field and laboratory confirmed

Life Cycle

to development averages 33.5 days at 26.7°C in laboratory conditions. Larvae pass through five instars with measurable capsule growth between . occurs in loose soil or leaf litter. Adults emerge, mate, and oviposit readily under laboratory conditions. timing varies seasonally; appears or partially .

Behavior

Larvae feed openly on foliage without concealment. are and attracted to light. Larval locomotion is characteristic of Geometridae: arching the body to bring hind forward to thoracic legs, creating a looping gait.

Ecological Role

Herbivore specializing on broomweed, a weedy native plant in Texas rangelands. Investigated as a potential agent for broomweed management.

Human Relevance

Studied for potential use in of broomweed in rangeland management; no other documented human interactions.

More Details

Synonymy Note

The has been treated under the synonym Fernaldella fimetaria in some sources, though Narraga fimetaria is the currently accepted name.

Research Limitations

Most detailed data derive from laboratory studies at controlled temperature (26.7°C); field observations of natural may differ. range testing has been limited to field observations in central Texas.