Sericoptera
Herrich-Schäffer, 1855
Species Guides
1Sericoptera is a of New World geometrid moths erected by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains seven described distributed from Canada to Bolivia. are characterized by distinctive wing patterns of white to cream ground color with pale brown transverse bands. The type species is Sericoptera mahometaria (Herrich-Schäffer, [1853]), originally described as Geometra mahometaria.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sericoptera: //ˌsɛrɪˈkɒptəra//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar geometrid by the combination of white to cream wing ground color with pale brown transverse bands. Some show faint or absent bands, requiring examination of additional characters. The presence of yellowish and dark blotches in some species aids identification. Specific determination may require dissection and reference to original descriptions.
Images
Appearance
have white to cream-colored wings with pale brown transverse bands on the outer wings, which may appear dashed. Some display additional yellowish and dark blotches on the wings. In certain species, the brown bands are faint or entirely absent. Wing pattern variation exists both within and among species.
Distribution
New World distribution ranging from Canada south to Bolivia.
More Details
Species Diversity
Seven are currently recognized: Sericoptera virginaria, S. chartaria, S. mahometaria (type species), S. flavifimbria, S. penicillata, S. curvistriga, and S. nigricornis.
Taxonomic History
Originally erected by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The type was originally described as Geometra mahometaria in 1853.