Yermoia
McDunnough, 1940
Species Guides
2Yermoia is a of geometer moths in the Geometridae, Ennominae, erected by Canadian entomologist James Halliday McDunnough in 1940. The genus contains two described : Yermoia perplexata (the type species) and Yermoia glaucina. It is a small genus with limited published information regarding its and .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Yermoia: /jɛɹˈmoʊiə/
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Identification
Yermoia can be distinguished from related Ennominae by wing pattern and genitalic characters, though specific diagnostic features require examination of . The two described species differ in coloration: Yermoia perplexata has a more mottled, perplexing pattern (as suggested by its epithet), while Yermoia glaucina exhibits a glaucous (grayish-blue or greenish-gray) hue. Accurate identification to species level requires dissection and comparison with original descriptions.
Distribution
Yermoia perplexata is known from Alberta, Canada (type locality). Yermoia glaucina was described from California, USA. The appears restricted to western North America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ennominae generaYermoia shares the broad wing shape and resting posture typical of many Ennominae geometer moths. It may be confused with such as Proteoteras or similar small western North American ennomines, but differs in specific wing pattern elements and male genitalia structure as described by McDunnough and Rindge.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1940 with Yermoia perplexata as the type . The second species, Yermoia glaucina, was added by Rindge in 1961. The genus name does not appear to be etymologically explained in original publications, but may relate to a place name or personal name. The genus has received minimal subsequent taxonomic attention.
Specimen rarity
With only 10 observations recorded on iNaturalist and limited literature references, Yermoia appears to be rarely encountered or underreported. Both described are known from relatively few specimens.