Geometridae
Guides
Chloropteryx paularia
Fulsome Emerald
Chloropteryx paularia, commonly known as the Fulsome Emerald, is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. First described by Möschler in 1886, this species is restricted to Florida and the Greater Antilles. The larvae are known to feed on wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).
Chloropteryx tepperaria
Angle-winged Emerald, angle-winged emerald moth
Chloropteryx tepperaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, native to the southeastern United States. The species is distinguished by its green coloration and the angular, pointed outer margin of the hindwings. Adults are active across an extended season, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
Chlorosea
Chlorosea is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus contains four described species: C. banksaria, C. margaretaria, C. nevadaria, and C. roseitacta. These moths are found in western North America, with records primarily from the western United States. The genus was established by Packard in 1873.
Chlorosea margaretaria
Chlorosea margaretaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Sperry in 1944. It belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, which includes many green-colored moths commonly known as emeralds. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published sources.
Chlorosea nevadaria
Nevada Emerald
Chlorosea nevadaria is a North American emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Packard in 1873. Adults are associated with Arctostaphylos patula (greenleaf manzanita). The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7012.
Cladara
Cladara is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains at least four described species distributed primarily in North America. Members are small to medium-sized geometrid moths, though specific morphological characteristics defining the genus remain poorly documented in available literature.
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).
Coryphista
barberry geometer moth
Coryphista is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, erected by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains a single species, Coryphista meadii, commonly known as the barberry geometer moth or barberry looper. Some taxonomic authorities consider Coryphista to be a synonym of Rheumaptera. The species is notable as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pimpla sanguinipes.
Costaconvexa
Costaconvexa is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, established by Ramón Agenjo Cecilia in 1949. The genus contains at least three recognized species, including the bent-line carpet (C. centrostrigaria) and the many-lined moth (C. polygrammata). Species within this genus are distributed across parts of Europe and North America.
Cyclophora
Mochas
A genus of moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as mochas. Adults are small to medium-sized with relatively plain, brownish coloration. Caterpillars exhibit the reduced proleg count characteristic of geometrids, possessing only two or three pairs of prolegs rather than the typical five pairs found in most moth larvae. This morphological trait produces the characteristic looping gait that gives geometrid caterpillars their common name of inchworms or loopers.
Cyclophora dataria
A small geometrid moth found in western North American oak woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 23–25 mm and are active in late spring and summer. The larvae feed exclusively on Quercus species and can be found in July and August. As a member of Geometridae, larvae possess reduced prolegs (two or three pairs), producing the characteristic looping locomotion of inchworms.
Cyclophora myrtaria
Wax Myrtle Wave, waxmyrtle wave moth
Cyclophora myrtaria, commonly known as the Wax Myrtle Wave, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–27 mm. The species is found along the Atlantic coastal plain, where its larvae feed on Myrtaceae species. As a member of the Geometridae family, its caterpillars likely exhibit the reduced proleg count characteristic of inchworms.
Cyclophora nanaria
Dwarf Tawny Wave
Cyclophora nanaria, the Dwarf Tawny Wave, is a small geometrid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1861. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, from the United States through the Caribbean and Central America to South America, and has been introduced to Hawaii.
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.
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.
Dichorda illustraria
emerald moth
Dichorda illustraria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It was first described by Hulst in 1886 under the basionym Geometra illustraria. As a member of the Geometrinae subfamily, it exhibits the characteristic green coloration typical of emerald moths.
Dichorda rectaria
emerald moth
Dichorda rectaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic green coloration. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate D. r. rectaria and D. r. cockerelli described by Sperry in 1939.
Dichordophorini
Dichordophorini is a tribe of moths within the family Geometridae. The tribe contains the genus Dichordophora and related taxa. Members are geometrid moths, commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to the characteristic larval locomotion. The tribe is part of the diverse Geometridae family, one of the largest families of Lepidoptera.
Digrammia
granite moths, angle moths
Digrammia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, erected by Carl Freiherr von Gumppenberg in 1887. The genus is now frequently treated as a synonym of Semiothisa, though many species continue to be referenced under the Digrammia name. It includes approximately 50 described species, many of which bear common names referencing their angular wing patterns or granitic coloration. Species such as Digrammia californiaria (California granite moth), D. colorata (creosote moth), and D. continuata (curve-lined angle moth) are among the better documented members.
Digrammia aliciata
Digrammia aliciata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Cassino in 1928. The genus Digrammia comprises small to medium-sized moths commonly known as granite moths, characterized by their cryptic coloration and wing patterns that often resemble stone or bark surfaces.
Digrammia continuata
curve-lined angle
Digrammia continuata, commonly known as the curve-lined angle, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. It occurs across North America from New Brunswick to Florida, west to California and north to Manitoba. The species is part of a diverse genus of geometrid moths often referred to as "granite moths" or "angles."
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 excurvata
Digrammia excurvata is a species of geometrid moth first described by Packard in 1874. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, which includes numerous North American species commonly known as granite moths. The species is documented from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Digrammia gnophosaria
Hollow-spotted Angle
Digrammia gnophosaria, commonly known as the hollow-spotted angle, is a species of geometrid moth native to central and eastern North America. The species was first described by Guenée in 1858 and was originally placed in the genus Tephrina before being transferred to Digrammia. Larvae have been documented feeding on Salix species, including Salix babylonica.
Digrammia imparilata
Digrammia imparilata is a species of geometrid moth described by Ferguson in 2008. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, a group commonly known as granite moths. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
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 irrorata
Pale-lined Angle
Digrammia irrorata is a geometrid moth species first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876. It occurs across western North America from Oklahoma to California, extending north into southwestern Canada. The species has a wingspan of 23–26 mm. Adults are active from March through June in northern populations, with multiple generations occurring in southern portions of the range.
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 modocata
Digrammia modocata is a species of geometrid moth described by Ferguson in 2008. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, a group commonly known as granite moths. The species has been recorded in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, appearance, or ecology.
Digrammia ocellinata
Faint-spotted Angle, Locust Looper
Digrammia ocellinata is a geometrid moth commonly known as the faint-spotted angle or locust looper. First described by Achille Guenée in 1857, it occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada. The species is notable for its larval association with leguminous trees, particularly black locust and honey locust.
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.
Digrammia pervolata
Digrammia pervolata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Thamnonoma pervolata by Hulst in 1880. It has been documented in GBIF and iNaturalist with 78 observations recorded.
Digrammia terramalata
Digrammia terramalata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Ferguson in 2008. The species is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Digrammia, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as granite moths.
Digrammia triviata
Digrammia triviata is a species of geometrid moth first described in 1917 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is distributed across North America. As with other members of the genus Digrammia, it is a nocturnal species attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Disclisioprocta
Disclisioprocta is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Wallengren in 1861. The genus contains at least three species: D. stellata (type species), D. natalata, and D. edmondsii (transferred from Xanthorhoe in 2023). Species are characterized by distinctive male and female genitalia morphology, including bifid uncus, costal sclerotised band, stout sacculus projection, and plate-like cornutus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the genus, though genetic distances between species are higher than typical for congenerics, suggesting possible undescribed diversity.
Dracunesia parapolita
Dracunesia parapolita is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It belongs to a genus of small, relatively obscure geometrid moths found in certain regions of Asia. The species was described based on morphological characteristics distinguishing it from related taxa within the genus Dracunesia.
Dyspteris abortivaria
Bad-wing Moth, the bad-wing
Dyspteris abortivaria, commonly known as the Bad-wing Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The common name refers to its distinctive wing morphology, where the hindwings are notably reduced in size compared to the forewings. It is found throughout North America and is one of the more frequently observed geometrid moths, with over 6,000 documented observations.
Dysstroma citrata
Dark Marbled Carpet, Northern Marbled Carpet
A Holarctic geometrid moth with highly variable forewing coloration ranging from whitish to dark brown or black. Adults are active in mid-summer. The species occupies mountainous and wetland habitats across a broad latitudinal range from the Arctic to temperate zones.
Dysstroma hewlettaria
Dysstroma hewlettaria is a moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by Wright in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a diverse group of carpet moths. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a small to medium-sized moth with cryptic coloration.
Dysstroma mancipata hulstata
Dysstroma mancipata hulstata is a subspecies of carpet moth in the family Geometridae, described by Taylor in 1907. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as carpets or carpet moths, characterized by cryptic coloration and larvae that feed on various plants. The subspecies is recognized as distinct from the nominate form D. m. mancipata, though specific distinguishing features are not well documented in available literature. As with many geometrid subspecies, its validity and boundaries may require further taxonomic study.
Dysstroma pseudimmanata
A species of carpet moth in the family Geometridae, described from Europe in 1929. It belongs to the genus Dysstroma, which contains numerous similar-looking species often distinguished by subtle wing pattern details. The species remains poorly documented in published literature.
Dysstroma truncata
Marbled Carpet Moth, Common Marbled Carpet
Dysstroma truncata is a widely distributed moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the marbled carpet moth or common marbled carpet. It is very common throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East. The species has been recorded in North America as well. It is sometimes placed in the genus Chloroclysta due to taxonomic uncertainty, though Dysstroma is the currently accepted genus. With over 8,600 observations on iNaturalist, it is among the more frequently documented geometrid moths.
Ecliptopera silaceata
Small Phoenix
Ecliptopera silaceata, known as the Small Phoenix, is a geometrid moth widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It is the only representative of its genus in Britain and Ireland. Adults display two main colour forms and exhibit distinctive resting postures. The species is associated with willowherb-rich habitats and typically produces two generations annually in temperate regions.
Ematurga
Ematurga is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Julius Lederer in 1853. The genus contains at least two recognized species, including Ematurga atomaria (common heath), a widespread European species. Species in this genus are associated with heathland and moorland habitats. The genus is classified within the subfamily Ennominae.
Enchoria
Enchoria is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains three described species: Enchoria herbicolata, Enchoria lacteata, and Enchoria osculata. These species are found in North America.
Ennominae
geometer moths
Ennominae is the largest subfamily of Geometridae, containing approximately 9,700 described species in 1,100 genera. Adults range from small to moderately large, with wingspans typically between 15 and 50 mm. The subfamily has a global distribution and includes several economically significant defoliating pest species. Larvae are characterized by having only two pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, producing the distinctive looping locomotion that gives the family its common name of inchworms or loopers.
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.
Ennomos subsignaria
Elm Spanworm Moth
Ennomos subsignaria is a geometrid moth native to North America, commonly known as the elm spanworm moth. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm and fly from late May to August, with one generation per year. The species is a generalist herbivore whose larvae feed on elm, apple, birch, maple, and oak. Research has documented its clumped intra-tree distribution on mature sycamore maple, with oviposition concentrated on the lower bole and larval development progressing from proximal to distal branches of the lower crown.
Entephria multivagata
Entephria multivagata is a Nearctic geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae. It was originally described as Scotosia multivagata by Hulst in 1881. The species was revised in 1997, during which Entephria nigrescens was synonymized under it. It is one of 11 Nearctic species in the genus Entephria.
Entephria separata
Entephria separata is a geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Troubridge in 1988 and is one of 11 Nearctic species in the genus Entephria. The species is found in North America.