Emerald-moths
Guides
Chlorochlamys
raspberry looper moth
Chlorochlamys is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus contains four described species 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.
Chloropteryx
Angle-winged emerald moth (for C. tepperaria)
Chloropteryx is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae (the emerald moths). The genus contains at least three described species distributed in North America. The common name 'angle-winged emerald moth' applies to C. tepperaria. Members of this genus are characterized by their green coloration typical of geometrine moths.
Dichorda
Dichorda is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus was erected by Warren in 1900 and currently contains nine recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Species such as Dichorda iridaria (showy emerald moth) are known for their distinctive green coloration and are attracted to ultraviolet light at night. The genus is part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Geometrinae
Emerald Moths
Geometrinae is the nominate subfamily of the geometer moth family Geometridae, commonly known as emerald moths for their characteristic light bluish-green coloration. The subfamily contains approximately 2,300 described species, predominantly distributed in tropical regions. It is taxonomically complex, with 13 recognized tribes, many of which are small or monotypic. A 2018 molecular phylogenetic analysis established the current tribal classification.
Hemithea
emerald moths
Hemithea is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, established in 1829 and comprising approximately 31 species. The genus is characterized by green coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. The most widely known species is Hemithea aestivaria (Common Emerald), which has been extensively studied for its wing coloration mechanism involving the pigment geoverdin.
Hemitheini
emerald moths
Hemitheini is the largest tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Geometrinae, first described by Charles Théophile Bruand d'Uzelle in 1846. Though containing relatively few genera in absolute terms, it encompasses substantial species diversity. The tribe includes several groups sometimes treated as separate tribes (Comostolini, Hemistolini, Jodini, Microloxiini, Thalassodini, Thalerini), but these are likely paraphyletic and are here retained within Hemitheini pending further phylogenetic study. In some classifications, Hemitheini is reduced to subtribe rank as Hemitheiti.
Nemoriini
Nemoriini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Geometrinae, characterized by distinctive genital morphology and wing pattern variation. The tribe exhibits two primary morphological lineages: the Nemoria lineage and the Phrudocentra lineage, which differ in uncus shape and wing marking patterns. Though relatively small in absolute diversity, Nemoriini represents one of the larger tribes within Geometrinae. The tribe includes genera such as Nemoria, Phrudocentra, Chlorosea, Dichorda, and Ochrognesia.
Xerochlora
Xerochlora is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, erected by Ferguson in 1969. The genus contains five described species, all restricted to North America with distributions centered in the southwestern United States and extending into Mexico and Central America. Most species show strong affinities for arid and semi-arid regions. The genus is classified within the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as the emerald moths.