Geometer-moth
Guides
Alsophila pometaria
Fall Cankerworm Moth, Fall Cankerworm, Inchworm
Alsophila pometaria, the fall cankerworm, is a native North American geometrid moth notable for its sexually dimorphic adults: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are wingless, flightless, and lack functional mouthparts. The species exhibits a distinctive life cycle with adult emergence in late autumn and early winter, egg-laying on tree bark, and larval feeding in spring. Caterpillars are known as "inchworms" or "loopers" due to their characteristic looping locomotion. The species is a generalist defoliator of deciduous hardwood trees and can reach outbreak densities, causing significant economic and ecological impact.
Anavitrinella ocularia
Anavitrinella ocularia is a geometer moth in the family Geometridae, described from North America in 1917. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as 'Common Gray' moths for their typically subdued, cryptic coloration. The species is poorly documented in popular and scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Aplocera
treble-bar moths
Aplocera is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aplocera plagiata (treble-bar), Aplocera praeformata (purple treble-bar), and Aplocera efformata (lesser treble-bar). These moths are characterized by distinctive wing patterns with transverse dark bands, giving rise to their common name. Several species are declining in parts of Europe due to habitat loss.
Asthenini
Asthenini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Warren in 1893. The tribe has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with its circumscription historically debated; it was notably merged with Eupitheciini by Holloway in 'The Moths of Borneo'. A critical 2002 review by Xue and Scoble recognized 18 core genera, though subsequent research has reinstated some previously excluded genera such as Eois and Minoa. The tribe remains taxonomically fluid, with some genera of uncertain placement.
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.
Campaea perlata
Pale Beauty, Fringed Looper, Light Emerald
Campaea perlata is a medium-sized geometrid moth found throughout North America, commonly known as the pale beauty. Adults are pale greenish to white with faint continuous lines across both forewings and hindwings, with females notably larger than males. The caterpillar, called the fringed looper, is an inchworm with distinctive fringe-like setae and twig-mimicking camouflage. The species has two annual generations in most of its range, with larvae overwintering on exposed tree trunks and branches.
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.
Chesiadini
Chesiadini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Stephens in 1850. The tribe comprises approximately 12 recognized genera distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Members are small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings and often subdued coloration. The tribe includes economically and ecologically significant species such as those in the genus Aplocera.
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.
Chiricahua multidentata
Chiricahua multidentata is a species of geometrid moth described by Guedet in 1941. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species has been recorded from Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Cingilia
Chain-dotted Geometer
Cingilia is a monotypic genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, containing only the species Cingilia catenaria. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1862. Its sole species is known by multiple common names including chain-dotted geometer, chain dot geometer, chainspotted geometer, and chain-spotted geometer. The genus is endemic to North America.
Cyclophora pendulinaria
sweetfern geometer moth, pearly-grey wave
A small geometrid moth with wingspan 17–26 mm, found across much of North America from Newfoundland to the Yukon and south to Georgia. Adults are active from spring through fall, with larvae feeding on sweetfern (Comptonia) and alder (Alnus) leaves. The species inhabits moist to mesic forests.
Digrammia extenuata
Digrammia extenuata is a species of geometrid moth described by Ferguson in 2008. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is known to occur in North America, though specific details regarding its biology, ecology, and distribution within this range remain poorly documented in available sources.
Digrammia minuta
Digrammia minuta is a small geometer moth in the family Geometridae, native to North America. The genus Digrammia includes numerous small, cryptically colored species that rely on camouflage against bark and vegetation. Like other members of this genus, D. minuta is likely active at night and attracted to artificial light sources. Very little specific information has been published about the biology of this particular species.
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.
Ectropis
Engrailed Moths
Ectropis is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 100 species distributed primarily across paleotropical regions, Australia, and Asia. The genus includes several economically significant pests, notably E. obliqua and E. grisescens, which are sibling species known as tea loopers that damage tea production in China. These two species are morphologically similar but exhibit differences in geographical distribution, sex pheromone composition, and Wolbachia symbiont abundance. Only one species or species complex (E. bistortata/E. crepuscularia, the Engrailed/Small Engrailed) occurs in Europe. The genus has a complex taxonomic history with several invalid junior synonyms and homonyms.
Ectropis crepuscularia
Small Engrailed, Engrailed
Ectropis crepuscularia, commonly known as the Small Engrailed, is a geometer moth in the family Geometridae. The species exhibits extreme variation in color and pattern, ranging from distinct markings to nearly plain individuals. It occurs across a broad geographic range including North America, Europe, and Asia, with two generations per year in most regions. The species has been subject to taxonomic debate regarding whether it represents a single species or a complex of closely related forms.
Enypia griseata
mountain girdle
Enypia griseata, known as the mountain girdle, is a geometrid moth species described by Grossbeck in 1908. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly called inchworm or geometer moths. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7006 for North American moth identification systems. It is known to occur in North America.
Epimecis hortaria
tulip-tree beauty
Epimecis hortaria, commonly known as the tulip-tree beauty, is a geometer moth native to North America. It is one of the larger species in its family, with a wingspan reaching 43–55 mm. The species exhibits two distinct color morphs and has a broad flight season spanning early spring through autumn.
Euchlaena amoenaria
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena amoenaria, commonly known as the Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth, is a geometrid moth species native to eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–50 mm and exhibit bivoltine flight activity from May through September. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in deciduous forest habitats. Larval host plants remain unknown, though related Euchlaena species feed on deciduous tree foliage.
Euchlaena marginaria
Ochre Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena marginaria, commonly known as the ochre euchlaena moth, is a geometrid moth found in deciduous and mixedwood forests across North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from May to August. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with one generation annually in northern populations and two generations in southern populations. Larvae are twig mimics that feed on woody plants in several genera.
Euchlaena mollisaria
Euchlaena mollisaria is a geometrid moth species found in western North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 46 mm. The species is active from late spring through early autumn. It is attracted to artificial light sources.
Euchlaena obtusaria
Obtuse Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena obtusaria is a geometrid moth found across North America in mixed wood forests. Adults have a wingspan of 27–48 mm and are active from spring through late summer. Larvae feed on Rosa and Impatiens species. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813.
Euchlaena pectinaria
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena pectinaria is a North American geometer moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth. It is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in deciduous forest habitats. The species was originally described in 1775 and is currently accepted under this name.
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.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is a large genus of small moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as "pugs." They are characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. The genus is notably diverse and presents significant identification challenges, with many species requiring dissection of genitalia for definitive determination. Eupithecia species are frequently attracted to lights and have been documented visiting flowers, including apple blossoms, where they contribute to nocturnal pollination.
Gabriola sierrae
Gabriola sierrae is a species of geometrid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1945. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer or inchworm moths. It is placed in the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within Geometridae. The specific epithet 'sierrae' likely refers to the Sierra Nevada or a similar mountainous region, though the precise etymology is not documented in available sources.
Galenara
Galenara is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion. The genus contains seven described species, with records primarily from China. As with other Geometridae, adults are likely nocturnal and possess the slender bodies and broad wings typical of the family.
Hypagyrtis
Hypagyrtis is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus has experienced taxonomic instability, having been assigned to multiple tribes including Melanolophiini, Bistonini, and currently Boarmiini. It contains seven recognized species distributed in North America, with Hypagyrtis unipunctata being the most widely documented. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations.
Hypomecis buchholzaria
blue spiderwort moth, Buchholz's gray, Buchholz' Gray
Hypomecis buchholzaria is a geometrid moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by Lemmer in 1937. It is commonly known as the blue spiderwort moth or Buchholz's gray. The species is found in North America and has been assigned Hodges number 6438. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths often referred to as "geometers" or "inchworms" due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Idaea insulensis
Idaea insulensis is a species of geometer moth in the family Geometridae, described by Rindge in 1958. It belongs to the large genus Idaea, which comprises numerous small, often brightly patterned moths commonly known as wave moths or idaeas. The species epithet 'insulensis' suggests an island-associated distribution, though specific habitat details remain limited in available sources.
Iridopsis ephyraria
Pale-winged Gray
Iridopsis ephyraria, commonly known as the pale-winged gray, is a moth species in the family Geometridae (geometer moths). First described by Francis Walker in 1860, this species occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States. The adults are active during summer months, and the larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants.
Larentiinae
Carpet Moths
Larentiinae is a large subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) containing approximately 5,800 described species. Members are predominantly distributed in temperate regions worldwide. The subfamily includes well-known groups such as the "pug moths" (Eupitheciini) and "carpets" (Cidariini, Xanthorhoini). Morphological and molecular evidence indicates this is an ancient lineage that may warrant elevation to full family status. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive anatomical features including elongated foreleg tarsi and hindleg tibiae, and a unique tympanal organ structure.
Paleacrita
spring cankerworm moths
Paleacrita is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae) containing at least three described species, including the widespread spring cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata). The genus was established by Riley in 1876. Species in this genus are notable for having flightless females in at least some species, a trait that influences their dispersal biology and seasonal activity patterns.
Patalene
Patalene is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854. The genus contains three species in the Nearctic region. These moths are part of the diverse geometrid fauna that includes many bark- and twig-mimicking species. One species, Patalene olyzonaria, has been documented visiting blacklight traps in late autumn.
Perizoma
Rivulets, Carpets
Perizoma is a genus of geometer moths comprising over 150 species, with a predominantly Northern Hemisphere distribution. It serves as the type genus of the tribe Perizomini within the subfamily Larentiinae. Species are commonly known as rivulets or carpets. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with some related genera (Gagitodes, Martania, Mesotype) now included by some authorities. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including P. alchemillata in Newfoundland.
Pero catalina
Pero catalina is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Poole in 1987. The species is found in North America. As a member of the genus Pero, it belongs to a group of moths commonly known as geometrid moths, which are characterized by their slender bodies and broad wings.
Phigalia
Phigalia is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Duponchel in 1829. Species in this genus are primarily North American and European, with several exhibiting distinctive life history traits including winter-emerging adults and, in some species, wingless females. The genus includes notable species such as the Spring Cankerworm (P. titea) and the Small Phigalia (P. strigataria), both of which are early-season defoliators of deciduous trees.
Phigalia plumogeraria
Walnut Spanworm Moth
Phigalia plumogeraria, the walnut spanworm moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6661. It belongs to the genus Phigalia, which includes other early spring-emerging geometer moths with similar life histories.
Phigalia strigataria
Small Phigalia Moth
A small geometer moth (family Geometridae) native to North America. Males are winged and active in early spring, while females are wingless. The species exhibits a life history nearly identical to the Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata), with which it shares geographic range and seasonal timing. Adults do not feed; larvae are the dispersal and feeding stage.
Prochoerodes amplicineraria
Prochoerodes amplicineraria is a geometrid moth species first described by Pearsall in 1906. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer moths or inchworms. The species is distributed across North America. As with other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal moth attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Sericosema immaculata
Sericosema immaculata is a moth in the family Geometridae (geometer moths) described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913. It is found in North America and is assigned the MONA/Hodges number 6673. The species name 'immaculata' (meaning 'spotless' or 'unstained') likely refers to the lack of distinct markings on the wings.
Slossonia
Slossonia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1898. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within Geometridae. As a genus-level taxon, Slossonia encompasses multiple species of geometer moths, though detailed biological information for the genus as a whole remains limited in published literature.
Tornos erectarius
Tornos erectarius is a species of geometrid moth described by Grossbeck in 1909. It belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is recognized by the MONA/Hodges number 6484. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate T. e. erectarius and T. e. fieldi.
Vinemina catalina
Vinemina catalina is a moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by McDunnough in 1945. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies of geometer moths. The species is known from North America. Like other geometrid moths, its larvae are likely inchworms or loopers, characterized by their distinctive method of locomotion using only prolegs at the rear of the body.