Ennominae
Guides
Acanthotoca
Acanthotoca is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, described by David Stephen Fletcher in 1979. The genus contains three recognized species: Acanthotoca graefi, Acanthotoca graefii, and Acanthotoca muelleri. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Aethalura
Aethalura is a genus of geometrid moths (family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae) containing four described species. The genus was erected by McDunnough in 1920. Species within this genus are primarily found in the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and North America. The most widely distributed species is Aethalura punctulata, commonly known as the grey birch.
Anavitrinella
Common Gray (for A. pampinaria)
Anavitrinella is a genus of geometrid moths erected by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. The genus contains four recognized species, with Anavitrinella pampinaria (common gray) being the most widespread and well-documented. Species in this genus are characterized by relatively plain, grayish wing coloration that makes identification challenging. The caterpillars are inchworms typical of the family Geometridae.
Animomyia morta
Animomyia morta is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Dyar in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within Geometridae. The species is known from North America. Very little specific information has been published regarding its biology, appearance, or ecology.
Antepione
variable antepione
Antepione is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Packard in 1876. The genus contains three recognized species distributed across North and Central America. One species, Antepione thisoaria, is commonly referred to as the variable antepione. These moths belong to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group within the Geometridae.
Antepione imitata
Antepione imitata is a geometrid moth of the subfamily Ennominae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1884. It occurs in the southwestern United States and likely extends into northern Mexico. The species is closely tied to riparian canyon habitats at elevations up to 1,830 meters. Adults exhibit a complex multi-voltine phenology with three distinct flight periods correlated with regional rainfall patterns.
Aplogompha
Aplogompha is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Ennominae, established by Warren in 1897. The genus contains 14 described species distributed in the Neotropical region, primarily in Central and South America. Species were described between 1889 and 1923 by various lepidopterists including Dognin, Schaus, Thierry-Mieg, and Warren. The genus remains relatively understudied, with limited ecological or biological data available for most species.
Astalotesia
Astalotesia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Astalotesia bucurvata. The genus was established by Ferguson in 1983 based on specimens collected in Texas. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers.
Azelinini
Azelinini is a tribe of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) characterized by stocky bodies, distinctive wing patterning with contrasting outer and middle forewing thirds, and several unique morphological traits in both adults and immature stages. The tribe was established by Forbes in 1948 and shows strongest diversity in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly South America, with some representation in North America. Members exhibit complex male genital modifications and several reductions or losses of structures typical in related ennomine tribes.
Bistonini
Bistonini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Ennominae. Members are characterized by relatively large size and hairy bodies compared to other geometrids, with some species resembling tiger moths (Arctiidae) in appearance. The tribe occupies a basal position within the broader Boarmiini group and retains more ancestral morphological traits. Taxonomic boundaries remain fluid, with some treatments merging Bistonini into an expanded Boarmiini or including the Erannini.
Boarmiini
Boarmiini moths, Cleorini
Boarmiini is a large tribe of geometer moths within the Ennominae subfamily, also commonly referred to as Cleorini. The tribe is taxonomically complex, with boundaries that have been variously defined—sometimes narrowly restricted to core genera, sometimes expanded to include related tribes such as Bistonini, Bupalini, and others based on shared egg chorion characteristics. Members are typically slender, cryptically colored moths with distinctive resting postures and complex male genitalia. The tribe has a global distribution with particularly diverse faunas in the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental regions.
Cabera
wave moths, cream moths
Cabera is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1825. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, and Afrotropical regions, with limited representation in the Indo-Australian region and absence from Australia. Several species were previously classified under the genera Petelia and Gyalomia due to morphological similarities. The genus name derives from Cabeiro, daughter of the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology.
Cabera quadrifasciaria
Four-lined Cream Moth, Four-lined Cabera Moth
Cabera quadrifasciaria, commonly called the Four-lined Cream Moth, is a North American geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by Packard in 1873. It is assigned Hodges number 6680 in the MONA (Moths of North America) numbering system. The common names reference the four pale lines that characterize the wing pattern of this cream-colored moth.
Campaea
Campaea is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae, established by Lamarck in 1816. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Best-known members include Campaea margaritata (light emerald) and Campaea perlata (pale beauty). Species in this genus are characterized by broad wings, often with green or pale coloration that frequently fades post-emergence, and larvae that feed on deciduous tree foliage.
Caripeta
brown pine looper, grey spruce looper, northern pine looper
Caripeta is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Francis Walker in 1863. The genus includes approximately 13 described species, several of which are known as loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion. Some species are economically significant forest pests, particularly those associated with coniferous trees.
Caripeta piniata
Northern Pine Looper, Northern Pine Looper Moth
Caripeta piniata, the northern pine looper, is a geometrid moth native to North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the Geometridae family. It is associated with pine habitats, as indicated by its specific epithet and common name. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in Canada and the United States.
Caripeta suffusata
Caripeta suffusata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Guedet in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Carphoides
Carphoides is a genus of geometer moths established by McDunnough in 1920. The genus contains three described species: C. inconspicuaria, C. incopriaria, and C. setigera. These moths are classified within the subfamily Ennominae of the Geometridae family. The genus appears to be restricted to North America based on species distributions.
Carphoides inconspicuaria
Carphoides inconspicuaria is a North American moth in the family Geometridae, first described in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their larval locomotion. The species is recorded from limited observations, suggesting it may be genuinely scarce or underreported.
Cepphis decoloraria
Dark Scallop Moth
Cepphis decoloraria, known as the dark scallop moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is native to North America and has been documented in regions including Manitoba, Canada and Vermont, United States. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886, originally placed in the genus Endropia before being transferred to Cepphis.
Ceratonyx satanaria
Horned Ceratonyx
Ceratonyx satanaria is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, commonly known as the Horned Ceratonyx. The species was described by Guenée in 1857 and is distributed across North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6780.
Chesiadodes cinerea
Chesiadodes cinerea is a species of geometrid moth described by Rindge in 1973. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species has been recorded in North America. Very little specific information about its biology, appearance, or ecology has been documented in available sources.
Cleora
Cleora is a genus of geometrid moths erected by John Curtis in 1825. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species, such as Cleora cornaria (the neem looper), are economically significant as defoliators of cultivated trees. The genus includes species with varied common names reflecting their appearance or host associations, including the ringed carpet (C. cinctaria), projected gray (C. projecta), double-lined gray (C. sublunaria), and kawakawa looper (C. scriptaria).
Cymatophora approximaria
Giant Gray Moth
A large geometrid moth native to North America, notable for its substantial size and muted gray coloration. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to light. The species is relatively well-documented through citizen science observations.
Digrammia decorata
Decorated Granite Moth, decorated granite
Digrammia decorata, commonly known as the Decorated Granite Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It occurs in North America with documented records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species was originally described as Sicagrapliia decorata by Grossbeck in 1907 and later transferred to the genus Digrammia. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6389.
Digrammia indeterminata
Digrammia indeterminata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1939. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, which comprises small to medium-sized moths commonly known as granite moths. The species is accepted as valid in current taxonomic databases. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical geometrid resting posture with wings held flat or slightly folded.
Digrammia pallidata
Digrammia pallidata is a geometrid moth described by Packard in 1873. It belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group commonly known as geometer moths or inchworms. The species is documented from North America. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Drepanulatrix garneri
Drepanulatrix garneri is a species of geometrid moth described by Blanchard & Knudson in 1986. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae, a diverse group of moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion. The species is known to occur in North America.
Ematurga amitaria
Cranberry Spanworm Moth
Ematurga amitaria, known as the cranberry spanworm moth, is a species of geometrid moth described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or spanworms due to their characteristic larval locomotion. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada and the northern United States. Its common name references an association with cranberry plants, though specific ecological relationships require further documentation. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6436 in North American lepidopteran classification systems.
Ennomini
Ennomini is a tribe of geometer moths within the Ennominae subfamily. Members are characterized by large body size relative to other Ennominae and generally subdued coloration. The tribe shows close morphological affinities to Azelinini and Nacophorini, with which it shares several structural features. The group includes economically significant species such as the scalloped oak (Crocallis elinguaria) and several thorn moths in the genus Ennomos.
Epimecis
Epimecis is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Notable species include Epimecis hortaria (tulip-tree beauty) and Epimecis detexta (avocado spanworm moth). The genus is characterized by its placement within the diverse and species-rich Geometridae family.
Erannis
Erannis is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately twelve species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in northern temperate zones. Several species are significant forest pests, with larvae feeding on coniferous and deciduous trees. Taxonomic placement remains debated: some authorities recognize the tribe Erannini with Erannis as type genus, while others merge this group into Boarmiini or Bistonini.
Erastria cruentaria
Thin-Lined Erastria
Erastria cruentaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the thin-lined erastria. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and has been assigned Hodges number 6705. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1799.
Eriplatymetra lentifluata
Eriplatymetra lentifluata is a moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their larval locomotion. The species is native to North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Euaspilates
Euaspilates is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Packard in 1874. The genus contains at least one described species, E. spinataria. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, these moths belong to a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Euaspilates spinataria
Euaspilates spinataria is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. Described by Packard in 1874, it is native to North America. The species is represented by limited but verifiable observational records, with 37 documented observations on iNaturalist. As with many Geometridae, adults are likely nocturnal and possess the characteristic slender body form associated with inchworm moths.
Eucaterva
Eucaterva is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. The genus contains two recognized species: Eucaterva variaria (the type species) and Eucaterva bonniwelli. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within Geometridae. The genus is known from western North America.
Eucaterva variaria
Eucaterva variaria is a geometrid moth species described by Grote in 1882. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species feeds on desert willow (Chilopsis linearis). It serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pimpla sanguinipes (Coccygomimus sanguinipes).
Euchlaena
Euchlaena Moths
Euchlaena is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 19 recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources. Several species have distinctive common names reflecting their coloration or morphology, such as the Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth and the Obtuse Euchlaena Moth.
Euchlaena deplanaria
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena deplanaria is a species of geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and are active from February through October, indicating a broad flight season. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in diverse habitats from deciduous forests to mixed conifer woodlands. It belongs to the genus Euchlaena, which includes several similarly patterned species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Euchlaena madusaria
Scrub Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena madusaria, commonly known as the scrub euchlaena moth, is a geometrid moth species native to North America. It inhabits dry woodlands across a broad transcontinental range from British Columbia to Nova Scotia and southward to Florida, Missouri, and Oregon. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm and is listed as threatened in Connecticut, indicating conservation concern in parts of its range.
Eufidonia
Powdered Geometer Moths
Eufidonia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, first described by Packard in 1876. Commonly known as Powdered Geometer Moths, this genus contains at least three recognized species distributed in North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths.
Eugonobapta nivosaria
Snowy Geometer Moth, Snowy Geometer
Eugonobapta nivosaria, commonly known as the Snowy Geometer Moth, is a species of geometrid moth found in eastern North America. The species was first described by Guenée in 1857 and is recognized by its distinctive white or pale coloration. It is a well-documented species with over 3,600 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous within its range. The moth occurs in deciduous and mixed forest habitats where its larvae feed on various woody plants.
Eusarca
Eusarca is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1813. The genus contains approximately 16 described species, including Eusarca confusaria (confused eusarca moth), Eusarca fundaria (dark-edged eusarca moth), and Eusarca packardaria (Packard's eusarca moth). Species in this genus are classified within the subfamily Ennominae. Records indicate presence in North America, including the United States.
Eusarca detractaria
Eusarca detractaria is a species of geometrid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916. The species is placed in the genus Eusarca, though some taxonomic sources have historically treated it under Euchlaena. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of inchworm moths. Documentation of this species is sparse, with minimal observational records available.
Eusarca falcata
Eusarca falcata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Packard in 1873. It is known to occur in North America, where it has been recorded with moderate frequency in entomological collections and citizen science observations. The species is assigned Hodges number 6927 in the North American moth classification system. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Eusarca galbanaria
Eusarca galbanaria is a moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. It is a North American species with limited documented information. The genus Eusarca contains several species of geometrid moths, most of which are characterized by relatively plain, greenish or yellowish coloration. Available records indicate this species is present but not extensively studied.
Eusarca lutzi
Eusarca lutzi is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Wright in 1920. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 6932. Very few observations have been documented, with only 5 records in iNaturalist as of the data cutoff.
Evita
Evita is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Geometridae, described by Capps in 1943. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies of geometer moths. The genus is known from very few observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist.
Exelis
Exelis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains four described species, three of which were described in the mid-20th century and one (the type species) from 1857. It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, a large and diverse group of geometer moths. The genus appears to be primarily Neotropical in distribution based on species descriptions.