Chlorochlamys

Hulst, 1896

raspberry looper moth

Species Guides

4

Chlorochlamys is a of emerald moths in the Geometridae, Geometrinae. The genus contains four described distributed across eastern and central North America. The most commonly encountered species, Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria, is known as the raspberry looper and has been documented feeding on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and Eriogonum alatum.

Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria by (c) David Dodd, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Dodd. Used under a CC-BY license.Chlorochlamys phyllinaria by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Chlorochlamys phyllinaria by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chlorochlamys: /ˌklɔːroʊˈklæmɪs/

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

Identification

Members of this are small to medium-sized geometrid moths with green coloration typical of the Geometrinae. The genus can be distinguished from other North American Geometrinae by wing pattern and genitalia . The caterpillars are distinctive loopers with reduced , moving with the characteristic looping gait of geometrid larvae.

Images

Habitat

Prairie and glade , particularly in association with limestone or dolomite substrates. Documented from dry-mesic deciduous forest edges, hilltop prairies, and open glade-woodland interfaces.

Distribution

Eastern and central North America. Nova Scotia south to Cuba and Mexico; west to Manitoba, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Wyoming and central Colorado (Boulder and El Paso counties).

Diet

Larvae feed on flowering plants in the Asteraceae and Polygonaceae . Documented include Silphium terebinthinaceum (prairie dock) and Eriogonum alatum (winged buckwheat).

Host Associations

  • Silphium terebinthinaceum - larval plantprairie dock, Asteraceae
  • Eriogonum alatum - larval plantwinged buckwheat, Polygonaceae; range extension documented in Great Lakes Entomologist

Similar Taxa

  • Other Geometrinae generaSimilar green coloration and wing shape; distinguished by specific wing pattern elements and genitalia

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Sources and further reading