Geometrinae

Leach, 1815

Emerald Moths

Tribe Guides

Geometrinae is the nominate of the Geometridae, commonly known as emerald moths for their characteristic light bluish-green coloration. The subfamily contains approximately 2,300 described , predominantly distributed in tropical regions. It is taxonomically complex, with 13 recognized tribes, many of which are small or . A 2018 molecular phylogenetic analysis established the current tribal classification.

Phrudocentra centrifugaria by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Nemoria leptalea by (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Nemoria mimosaria by (c) alicia penney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by alicia penney. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Geometrinae: //ˌd͡ʒiːəˈmɛtrɪniː//

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

Identification

Geometrinae can be distinguished from other Geometridae by the combination of small size and frequent green coloration. Within Geometrinae, of the tribe Nemoriini can be separated using male genitalia characters: the Nemoria lineage possesses a spatulate uncus associated with multicolor wing markings, while the Phrudocentra lineage and related Neotropical genera have a rod-shaped uncus, often slightly bulbed at the tip, with reduced wing markings. Some called 'emeralds' in the tribe Campaeini of subfamily Ennominae are not true Geometrinae.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspans typically ranging from small to medium. are often light bluish-green, giving rise to the 'emerald moths.' Wing patterns vary by lineage: the Nemoria lineage exhibits multicolor wing markings, while Neotropical with rod-shaped uncus typically display reduced markings of white lines or brown-grey marks on a plain green ground color. Body form is slender, consistent with the 'inchworm' of the .

Distribution

Global distribution with strong tropical concentration. Approximately 2,300 described , mostly from tropical regions. Present in both hemispheres, with particular diversity in the Neotropics.

Similar Taxa

Campaeini (Ennominae)Some in this tribe are also called 'emerald moths' due to similar green coloration, but they belong to Ennominae rather than Geometrinae.

More Details

Taxonomic Complexity

Geometrinae is strongly split taxonomically, with many tribes being very small or . A 2018 molecular phylogenetic analysis published in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society recognized 13 tribes. Several remain incertae sedis, including Bathycolpodes, Bustilloxia, Chlorodontopera, Eucrostes, Kuchleria, Prosomphax, Xenochlorodes, and Xenozancla.