Cyclophora

Hübner, 1822

Mochas

Species Guides

7

A of in the Geometridae, commonly known as mochas. are small to medium-sized with relatively plain, brownish coloration. Caterpillars exhibit the reduced count characteristic of geometrids, possessing only two or three pairs of prolegs rather than the typical five pairs found in most moth larvae. This morphological trait produces the characteristic looping gait that gives geometrid caterpillars their of inchworms or loopers.

Cyclophora pendulinaria by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.Cyclophora culicaria by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Cyclophora culicaria by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyclophora: //saɪˈklɒfəˌrɑː//

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Identification

are generally small, drab with brown or grayish coloration. Caterpillars can be distinguished from other moth larvae by their reduced number of : Cyclophora possess only two or three pairs of abdominal prolegs, compared to five pairs in most other moth caterpillars. This reduced proleg count results in the distinctive looping movement pattern.

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Distribution

Widespread distribution with occurring across multiple continents.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Geometridae generaShare the characteristic reduced count (2-3 pairs) and looping locomotion in caterpillars; Cyclophora are distinguished primarily by genitalia and subtle wing pattern differences.

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Sources and further reading