Chiricahua
Leach, [1815]
Species Guides
2Chiricahua is a of geometrid moths ( Geometridae, Ennominae) established by Leach in 1815. The genus name is derived from the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a sky island renowned for exceptional biodiversity and high . The Chiricahua Mountains form part of the Madrean Archipelago, a complex of forested mountain ranges spanning the cordilleran gap between the Colorado Plateau and Sierra Madre Occidental.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chiricahua: /ˌkɪrɪˈkawə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Associated with the Chiricahua Mountains sky island in southeastern Arizona. The region encompasses mid- to high-elevation forests spanning elevations from Mesquite-dominated lowlands to Douglas Fir zones at higher elevations. The area has experienced significant ecological disturbance, including the 2011 Horseshoe II wildfire which burned more than 200,000 acres.
Distribution
Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, part of the Madrean Sky Islands biodiversity hotspot. The region is characterized by isolated forested mountain ranges separated by low-elevation deserts and arid grasslands.
Misconceptions
The name 'Chiricahua' is widely recognized as referring to a band of Apache Native Americans to the same mountain region. This creates potential confusion, as the biological Chiricahua () shares its name with the cultural group and the mountain range itself. The name likely derives from the Opata word Chihuicahui or Chiguicagui ('mountain of the wild turkey'), later corrupted by Spanish speakers.