Geometridae
Guides
Scopula quinquelinearia
Five-lined wave moth
Scopula quinquelinearia is a small moth in the family Geometridae, described by Packard in 1871. It is characterized by five distinct longitudinal lines on the forewings, from which its specific epithet derives. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of the genus Scopula, its larvae are inchworm-type caterpillars that feed on various herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Scopula sentinaria
Scopula sentinaria is a geometrid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning northern North America and northern Eurasia. The species occupies dry shrubby clearings and edge habitats across boreal and subarctic regions. Adults are active during early summer in a single annual generation, with larvae developing on Polygonum aviculare. The species is notable for its broad geographic range and adaptation to open, disturbed habitats at high latitudes.
Scopula timandrata
Black-patched Wave
Scopula timandrata is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Black-patched Wave. This species is known only from Florida, with a wingspan of approximately 24–27 mm. It belongs to a large genus of geometer moths whose larvae are typically inchworm-like and feed on a variety of plants. The specific epithet 'timandrata' refers to a characteristic feature of the species, though detailed biological information remains limited due to its restricted distribution and apparent rarity.
Scopula umbilicata
swag-lined wave moth
Scopula umbilicata is a small geometrid moth species first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the southern United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The species is characterized by its distinctive white wings with sparse speckling and relatively small size, with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. Like other members of the genus Scopula, its caterpillars are likely inchworm-type larvae that move with a characteristic looping gait.
Selenia kentaria
Kent's Geometer Moth, Kent's thorn, Kent's geometer
Selenia kentaria is a geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March through August and possess wingspans of 32–52 mm. The species exhibits remarkable crypsis: adults mimic wilted leaves, while larvae resemble twigs. Larvae feed on several hardwood tree genera including Betula and Prunus.
Sericoptera
Sericoptera is a genus of New World geometrid moths erected by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains seven described species distributed from Canada to Bolivia. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns of white to cream ground color with pale brown transverse bands. The type species is Sericoptera mahometaria (Herrich-Schäffer, [1853]), originally described as Geometra mahometaria.
Sericosema wilsonensis
Sericosema wilsonensis is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, described by Cassino and Swett in 1922. It is recorded from North America and assigned Hodges number 6674. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted to specific habitats.
Sicya
Sicya is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae, established by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains seven described species, primarily distributed in North America. These moths are part of the diverse geometrid fauna commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths, though specific ecological traits of the genus remain poorly documented.
Sicya crocearia
Sicya crocearia is a species of geometrid moth described by Packard in 1873. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths, within the subfamily Ennominae. The species is documented from North America and has been assigned the Hodges number 6911 in the North American moth numbering system.
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.
Slossonia rubrotincta
A small North American geometrid moth described by George Hulst in 1898. The species is placed in the genus Slossonia, a group of inchworm moths within the subfamily Ennominae. Records indicate presence across North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet 'rubrotincta' suggests reddish coloration.
Snowia
Snowia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Berthold Neumoegen in 1884. The genus contains a single species, Snowia montanaria, a North American geometrid moth. This genus is classified within the subfamily Ennominae. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6875.
Spargania luctuata
White-banded Carpet, White-banded Carpet Moth
Spargania luctuata, commonly known as the white-banded carpet, is a geometrid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning northern and central Europe, North Asia, and North America. Adults are bivoltine in at least parts of their range, flying from late April through September. The species is recognized by its characteristic wing pattern featuring a prominent white transverse band. Larvae feed specifically on rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium and related species).
Sphacelodes
Sphacelodes is a genus of geometrid moths established by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains at least three recognized species: S. vulneraria, S. fusilineatus, and S. haitiaria. It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae of the family Geometridae. The genus has accumulated over 2,900 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species.
Sphacelodes vulneraria
Hübner's Olive
Sphacelodes vulneraria is a geometrid moth known as Hübner's Olive, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. It is a well-documented species with over 2,300 observations on iNaturalist. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6800 in North American moth classification systems.
Spodolepis danbyi
Dog-face Geometer
Spodolepis danbyi, known as the Dog-face Geometer, is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is a North American species first described by George D. Hulst in 1898. The common name refers to a distinctive facial marking pattern on the adult moth. The genus Spodolepis is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology.
Spodolepis substriataria
Spodolepis substriataria is a North American geometrid moth first described by George D. Hulst in 1896. The species exhibits a broad transcontinental distribution spanning boreal and temperate regions from Alaska across Canada to the Atlantic coast, with southern extensions into the western United States. It belongs to the diverse subfamily Ennominae, a group commonly known as inchworm or spanworm moths due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Stamnoctenis
Stamnoctenis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, first described by Warren in 1901. The genus contains seven recognized species, all described between 1887 and 1939. Species are distributed primarily in North America.
Stamnodes fergusoni
Stamnodes fergusoni is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, described in 2020 by Matson & Wagner. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a diverse group commonly known as carpet moths. The species has been documented through 63 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is recognized in citizen science databases. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Stenoporpia anellula
Stenoporpia anellula is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The species was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as 'slant-lined' or 'porpia' moths, characterized by their relatively slender bodies and cryptic coloration. Like other members of Geometridae, adults are nocturnal and larvae are likely inchworm-type caterpillars with reduced prolegs.
Stenoporpia vernata
Stenoporpia vernata is a geometer moth (family Geometridae) described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1910 from North American specimens. The specific epithet "vernata" suggests a spring-emerging species. Like other members of the genus Stenoporpia, it belongs to the diverse inchworm moth lineage characterized by caterpillars that move with a looping gait. The species is documented in entomological collections and databases but remains poorly known in terms of natural history.
Sterrhinae
Waves and Mochas
Sterrhinae is a large subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 3,000 described species, with exceptional diversity in the tropics decreasing toward higher latitudes and elevations. The subfamily was established by Edward Meyrick in 1892 and includes the taxonomically challenging genera Idaea and Scopula, which together account for more than half of all species. Members are commonly known as 'waves' due to their characteristic wing patterns. The group exhibits notable morphological synapomorphies including forewing areoles and specific venation patterns that distinguish it from other geometrid subfamilies.
Synchlora aerata
Wavy-lined Emerald, Camouflaged Looper
Synchlora aerata is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, known for its remarkable larval behavior of camouflaging itself with plant material. The caterpillar, called the camouflaged looper, attaches bits of flowers, leaves, or other plant tissue to spines on its back, rendering it nearly invisible among the vegetation it consumes. The adult moth exhibits characteristic wavy white lines across its emerald green wings. The species is widespread across North America and has been documented feeding on numerous composite flowers and other plants.
Synchlora bistriaria
oblique-striped emerald
Synchlora bistriaria, commonly known as the oblique-striped emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Synchlora found in North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive green coloration as an adult and the remarkable camouflage behavior of its larval stage, where caterpillars adorn their bodies with plant material from their host plants.
Synchlora cupedinaria
Brown-bordered Emerald
Synchlora cupedinaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. The species is restricted to the Caribbean region and extreme southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and S. c. guadelupensis described by Herbulot in 1988. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 14–17 mm. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, the larvae are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with fragments of host plant material.
Synchlora graefiaria
Synchlora graefiaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Hulst in 1886. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, its caterpillars are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with bits of plant material from their host plants to blend into their surroundings. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and biology remain limited in available literature.
Synchlora herbaria
White-dotted Emerald
Synchlora herbaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. The species is notable for its Caribbean distribution, with records from Florida and multiple Caribbean islands. Larvae have been documented feeding on Lantana camara, and like other Synchlora species, they camouflage themselves by attaching plant material to their bodies.
Synchlora irregularia
emerald moth
Synchlora irregularia is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. It belongs to a genus known for remarkable caterpillars that camouflage themselves by adorning their bodies with bits of plants upon which they feed. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available sources.
Synchlora pectinaria
Synchlora pectinaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Grossbeck in 1910. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, its caterpillars are known for adorning their bodies with bits of plant material—flower petals, leaves, and other vegetation—to achieve remarkable camouflage. This behavior, shared with the more widespread S. aerata, makes the larvae exceptionally difficult to detect among the flowers and foliage they consume. The species is part of the emerald moth group (subfamily Geometrinae), characterized by their typically green adult coloration.
Synchlora xysteraria
Singed Emerald
Synchlora xysteraria is a small geometrid moth in the emerald moth genus Synchlora. First described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886, this species has a restricted distribution limited to the southeastern United States (Georgia and Florida) and the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Hispaniola. Like other members of its genus, larvae are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with plant material from their host plants. The species is one of approximately 12 Synchlora species found in North America.
Tacparia
Tacparia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1860 and contains three recognized species: Tacparia zalissaria, Tacparia atropunctata, and Tacparia detersata. These moths are part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Tacparia detersata
Pale Alder Moth
Tacparia detersata, known as the pale alder moth, is a North American geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is broadly distributed across Canada and the northern United States. The species has been documented in over 1,400 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is relatively common and readily encountered by observers.
Taeniogramma
Taeniogramma is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Paul Dognin in 1914. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with the highest diversity in Central and South America and several species extending into the southwestern United States. Species in this genus are characterized by their patterned forewings, often featuring distinct lines or bands.
Taeniogramma mendicata
Taeniogramma mendicata is a geometrid moth species in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. It was originally described by George Hulst in 1887 under the genus Macaria, and later transferred to Taeniogramma. The species is known from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 6424 in the North American moth classification system. It belongs to the tribe Macariini, a group of moths commonly known as 'pug' or 'carpet' moths.
Taeniogramma quadrilinea
Taeniogramma quadrilinea is a species of geometrid moth described by Schaus in 1901. The species has been reclassified under the genus Cataspilates as C. quadrilinea, with Taeniogramma quadrilinea now treated as a synonym. Very little is known about this species, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. The genus Taeniogramma belongs to the family Geometridae, a large and diverse family of moths commonly known as inchworms or geometer moths due to the characteristic looping movement of their larvae.
Tesiophora entephros
Tesiophora entephros is a species of geometrid moth described by Rindge in 1990. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The genus Tesiophora is a small group within the subfamily Ennominae. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Tetracis
Slant-Lines
Tetracis is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Ennominae, established by Achille Guenée in 1858. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2010, when Synaxis was synonymized with Tetracis and three new western North American species were described. It currently comprises 13 recognized North American species. The common name 'Slant-Lines' refers to characteristic wing patterns visible in many species.
Tetracis australis
Tetracis australis is a geometrid moth described by Ferris in 2010. It is restricted to a narrow coastal and montane range in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. The species exhibits spring seasonality, with adult flight from March through late June. Larval host associations remain provisional, with Quercus and Populus species suggested as probable food plants.
Tetracis cachexiata
White Slant-line, White Slaut
A medium-sized geometrid moth with white wings marked by a slanted transverse line. Adults are active in late spring and early summer across much of North America. The species exhibits broad polyphagy, with larvae feeding on diverse woody plants including both angiosperms and conifers.
Tetracis jubararia
October thorn moth, October Thorn
Tetracis jubararia is a geometrid moth known as the October thorn moth. It occurs in western North America with two recognized subspecies occupying distinct elevational zones. Adults fly in late summer and autumn. Larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including both angiosperms and conifers.
Tetracis pallulata
Tetracis pallulata is a geometrid moth first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. The species is restricted to western North America, with adults active in late summer and fall. Larvae feed on conifers in several genera including Abies, Picea, Pseudotsuga, and Tsuga. The species has been treated under the synonym Synaxis pallulata in some taxonomic treatments.
Thallophaga nigroseriata
Thallophaga nigroseriata is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, described by Packard in 1873. It is known from western North America. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Thera
Thera is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, established by Stephens in 1831. The genus comprises numerous species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. Thera moths are small to medium-sized geometrids with relatively broad wings and cryptic coloration patterns. Larvae typically feed on coniferous trees, making several species economically significant as forest pests.
Thera juniperata
Juniper Carpet
Thera juniperata, commonly known as the Juniper Carpet, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. It occurs throughout Europe and the Near East, with records also from North America. The species is considered uncommon and locally distributed, primarily due to its specialized larval dependence on juniper as a food source. Adults are active in late autumn, with the species exhibiting a single generation per year.
Thera latens
Thera latens is a moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by entomologists William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1917. It is a North American species assigned MONA/Hodges number 7220. As a member of the subfamily Larentiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of carpet moths, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Thyrinteina arnobia
eucalyptus brown looper, brown looper caterpillar
Thyrinteina arnobia is a geometrid moth native to the Americas and a major pest of Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. The species occurs throughout South America and parts of Central and North America, where it feeds primarily on Myrtaceae, with Eucalyptus serving as a vulnerable host in commercial plantations. Larval infestations can reduce annual Eucalyptus biomass production by up to 40%, making it the primary defoliator of subtropical and tropical Brazilian eucalyptus farms. Population genetic studies indicate low genetic diversity in Brazil with three regional mitochondrial haplogroups, suggesting outbreaks arise from local populations rather than long-distance dispersal.
Timandrini
Timandrini is a tribe of geometer moths (Geometridae) established by Stephens in 1850. The tribe comprises approximately 45 species distributed across four genera: Haematopis, Synegiodes, Timandra, and Traminda. These moths are part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Tornos
Tornos is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by Morrison in 1875. Species in this genus are characterized by relatively small size and cryptic wing patterns that provide camouflage against bark and leaf litter. The genus occurs primarily in North America, with species inhabiting forested and shrubland environments. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Tornos benjamini
Tornos benjamini is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Cassino and Swett in 1925. The species is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records confirming its presence in both regions. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6483.
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.