Geometridae
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.
Acasis
Yellow-barred brindle (A. viretata), Olive-and-black carpet (A. viridata)
Acasis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, established by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1845. The genus contains at least three recognized species, including the well-documented Acasis viretata (Yellow-barred Brindle), which has been the subject of genome sequencing research. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized geometrid moths with distinctive wing patterns. Information on most species remains limited, with detailed biological data available primarily for A. viretata.
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.
Aethalura intertexta
Four-barred Gray, Smoky Carpet Moth
Aethalura intertexta, commonly known as the four-barred gray or smoky carpet moth, is a geometrid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1860. It belongs to the family Geometridae, one of the largest families of moths. The species is native to North America and includes two recognized subspecies: A. i. intertexta and A. i. fumata. Like other carpet moths, adults likely have the characteristic broad, somewhat flattened wings typical of the group.
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.
Ametris
seagrape spanworm moth (for Ametris nitocris)
Ametris is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Desmobathrinae, established by Hübner in 1822. The genus contains two described species: Ametris monilaria (Fabricius, 1776) and Ametris nitocris (Cramer, 1780), the latter commonly known as the seagrape spanworm moth. The genus is classified within the geometer moth family, a large group characterized by slender bodies and larvae that move with a looping gait.
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.
Anavitrinella atristrigaria
Gulf Coast Gray
A geometrid moth species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Gulf Coast Gray. First described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 6591. The species is part of the genus Anavitrinella, which includes other gray-colored geometer moths.
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.
Anavitrinella pampinaria
common gray, North American Common Gray
Anavitrinella pampinaria, commonly known as the common gray or North American Common Gray, is a geometrid moth widespread across North America. Adults are small to medium-sized with muted gray coloration and relatively plain wing patterns. The species is notable for its extended flight season from early spring through autumn and its polyphagous larval stage that feeds on diverse woody and herbaceous plants. Caterpillars are classic "inchworms" with reduced prolegs, 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.
Antepirrhoe atrifasciata
Antepirrhoe atrifasciata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. Originally described as Eustroma atrifasciata by Hulst in 1888, the species has since been transferred to the genus Antepirrhoe. Like other members of this genus, it is a relatively small moth with limited published information regarding its biology and distribution.
Antepirrhoe fasciata
A species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae, first described from North America in 1918. The species is recognized under the genus Antepirrhoe, though some sources have historically placed it in the genus Eustroma. It is a member of the diverse carpet moth group within Geometridae.
Anticlea multiferata
Many-lined Carpet Moth, many-lined carpet
Anticlea multiferata, commonly known as the many-lined carpet moth, is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 19–25 mm. It is one of the most widely distributed North American carpet moths, occurring from the Arctic through temperate regions. The species shows pronounced geographic variation in adult flight timing, with southern populations active in spring and northern populations active in early summer.
Anticlea switzeraria
Anticlea switzeraria is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Wright in 1916. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized geometrid moths primarily found in northern regions.
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.
Apodrepanulatrix liberaria
New Jersey tea inchworm, Barrens Carpet
A small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 25–35 mm, found in eastern North America. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) and its endangered status in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Adults are active during the growing season, with larvae feeding on a single host plant genus.
Archiearinae
Archiearinae is a small subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 2 genera and 3 species in the Baikal region of Siberia. The subfamily is characterized by early spring flight activity, with adults emerging before host plant foliage develops. Species-level taxonomy and identification rely heavily on genitalia morphology.
Archirhoe
Archirhoe is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, established by Herbulot in 1951. The genus contains four described species distributed in North America: A. associata, A. indefinata, A. multipunctata, and A. neomexicana. These moths are part of the diverse carpet moth group, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Archirhoe associata
Archirhoe associata is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1941. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7297. Available records for this species are limited.
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.
Biston betularia
Peppered Moth
Biston betularia, the peppered moth, is a temperate night-flying geometrid moth native to Europe and northern Asia. The species is renowned as a textbook example of industrial melanism, with two principal color morphs: the pale, speckled 'typica' form and the dark 'carbonaria' form. Population frequencies of these morphs have shifted historically in response to environmental changes, particularly industrial pollution affecting substrate coloration. The species has been introduced to North America.
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.
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 erythemaria
Yellow-dusted Cream Moth, yellow-dusted cream
Cabera erythemaria is a geometrid moth species commonly known as the yellow-dusted cream moth. It occurs across North America with documented records in Canada and the northeastern United States. The species is assigned Hodges number 6677 in North American moth classification systems.
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.
Caberini
Caberini is a tribe of geometrid moths (Geometridae) comprising at least 50 described species across 20 genera. The tribe's circumscription has been debated, with molecular analyses supporting separation from the related tribe Baptini, though morphological studies suggest potential unification pending further research on immature stages. Members include genera such as Cabera, Erastria, and Numia.
Cambogia tegularia
Cambogia tegularia is a moth species described by Guenée in 1858. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Eois tegularia, a species within the subfamily Larentiinae of the Geometridae family. The genus Cambogia is no longer accepted as valid in modern taxonomy, with its species reassigned to Eois. This is a tropical geometrid moth found in the Indo-Australian region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carptima
Carptima is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Carptima hydriomenata. The genus was described by Pearsall in 1906. It is endemic to Arizona, USA. The genus is classified within the subfamily Larentiinae.
Carptima hydriomenata
Carptima hydriomenata is a rare moth and the sole member of its genus. It was first described by Pearsall in 1906 and is known only from Arizona. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or geometer moths due to their larvae's characteristic looping gait. Its restricted range and limited number of observations make it one of the more poorly documented geometrid moths in North America.
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.
Ceratodalia gueneata
Guenée's Carpet Moth
Ceratodalia gueneata is a moth species in the family Geometridae and the sole member of its genus. It is found in western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south to Colorado and California. The species is commonly known as Guenée's Carpet Moth.
Ceratonyx arizonensis
Ceratonyx arizonensis is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It belongs to the genus Ceratonyx, which contains species commonly known as spanworms or loopers. The species epithet 'arizonensis' indicates its association with Arizona. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species in available sources.
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.
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.
Chloraspilates minima
Chloraspilates minima is a species of geometrid moth described by George D. Hulst in 1898. It belongs to the genus Chloraspilates, which comprises small moths in the family Geometridae. The specific epithet "minima" suggests diminutive size relative to congeners. Beyond taxonomic placement, detailed biological information about this species remains sparse in available literature.
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.
Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
Blackberry Looper, Blackberry Looper Moth, Raspberry Looper
A small emerald geometrid moth widespread across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations. Larvae feed on blackberry and raspberry fruits as well as flower heads of numerous Asteraceae species. The species has been documented on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and recently recorded on Eriogonum alatum (Polygonaceae), representing a host range extension beyond its previously known associations.
Chlorochlamys triangularis
triangular emerald moth
Chlorochlamys triangularis is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Prout in 1912. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate green moths commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic coloration. The species is known from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 7072 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
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.
Chloropteryx nordicaria
Chloropteryx nordicaria is an emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Schaus in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic green coloration. The species is distributed across Central and North America. It is cataloged under Hodges number 7076 in the North American moth numbering system.