Geometridae
Guides
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.
Hypagyrtis esther
Esther Moth
Hypagyrtis esther, commonly known as the Esther Moth, is a species of geometrid moth first described by William Barnes in 1928. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the eastern and central United States. Adults display extended flight periods with regional variation in timing. Larvae are specialized feeders on pine foliage.
Hypagyrtis unipunctata
One-spotted Variant, one-spotted variant moth, white spot
Hypagyrtis unipunctata is a geometrid moth widely distributed across North America and Eurasia. Adults display considerable wing pattern variation, with the characteristic single white spot being variable in presence and intensity. The species exhibits extended flight activity from spring through late summer, with one to two generations annually. Larvae are generalist feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs.
Idaea
wave moths, dwarf geometer moths
Idaea is a large genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) distributed nearly worldwide. The genus contains numerous small species, many of which are characterized by wavy transverse lines on the forewings that give them their common name of 'wave moths.' Species diversity is particularly high in the Mediterranean region, African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia. The genus was established by Treitschke in 1825.
Idaea asceta
Beautiful Wave
Idaea asceta, commonly known as the Beautiful Wave, is a species of geometrid moth described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1910. Originally placed in the genus Ptychopoda, it was later transferred to Idaea. The species belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths often referred to as "waves" due to their characteristic wing patterns. As a member of the diverse genus Idaea, which contains several hundred species worldwide, I. asceta represents one of many similar-looking taxa that require careful examination for accurate identification.
Idaea basinta
red-and-white wave
Idaea basinta is a geometrid moth species commonly known as the red-and-white wave. First described by William Schaus in 1901, this moth occurs across Central and North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7110.
Idaea bonifata
Fortunate Wave
Idaea bonifata, commonly known as the Fortunate Wave, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Hulst in 1887 under the basionym Eois bonifata. Adults are characterized by their diminutive size with forewings measuring 6–7 mm in length. The species exhibits an extended flight period spanning March through October, with larvae feeding on decaying leaf matter and stored grains.
Idaea celtima
Celtic Wave
Idaea celtima is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Celtic Wave. First described by Schaus in 1901 under the basionym Ptychopoda celtima, this small moth is native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of generally small, often delicate moths with characteristic wavy or lined wing patterns. The species has been documented in iNaturalist with over 1,400 observations, indicating it is relatively well-recorded by citizen scientists.
Idaea demissaria
Red-bordered Wave, Red-bordered Wave Moth
Idaea demissaria is a small geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the red-bordered wave moth. The species is characterized by distinctive reddish marginal bands on the wings and is distributed across North America. Three subspecies are recognized: I. d. columbia, I. d. demissaria, and I. d. ferrugata. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7114.
Idaea dimidiata
Single-dotted Wave
Idaea dimidiata is a small Geometrid moth with a Holarctic distribution. Adults are active from June to August and are attracted to light. The species has shown significant phenological shifts in response to climate change over recent decades.
Idaea furciferata
Notch-winged Wave, notch-winged wave moth
Idaea furciferata, commonly known as the notch-winged wave moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with males slightly larger than females. The species is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants, clover and dandelion, occur.
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.
Idaea kendallaria
Kendall's Wave
Idaea kendallaria (Kendall's Wave) is a species of geometrid moth described by Covell in 2015. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer or inchworm moths, and the subfamily Sterrhinae. The species is placed in the genus Idaea, a large and diverse group of small moths often referred to as waves or carpets due to their characteristic wing patterns. As a relatively recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Idaea obfusaria
rippled wave
Idaea obfusaria, commonly known as the rippled wave, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1861 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of small moths often referred to as waves or carpets due to their characteristic wing patterns.
Idaea ostentaria
Showy Wave
Idaea ostentaria, commonly known as the Showy Wave, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1861. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7121. Like other members of the genus Idaea, it belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths often referred to as waves or carpet moths due to their characteristic wing patterns.
Idaea rotundopennata
Idaea rotundopennata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Packard in 1876 under the basionym Acidalia rotundopennata. It belongs to the large genus Idaea, commonly known as wave moths or carpet moths, which are characterized by their relatively small size and broad, often rounded wings. The species has been documented in the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Idaea skinnerata
Idaea skinnerata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae. The species was described by Grossbeck in 1907. Like other members of the genus Idaea, it is a small moth with relatively broad wings. The genus Idaea is diverse and widespread, with many species exhibiting subtle differences in wing pattern and coloration that require careful examination for identification.
Idaea tacturata
dot-lined wave moth
Idaea tacturata is a small geometrid moth occurring in the southeastern United States. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1861 and is active year-round in the southern portion of its range. Larvae feed on Trifolium species (clovers).
Ilexia intractata
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with ruddy-brown forewings marked by scattered black dots. The common name refers to this distinctive spotted pattern. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species is well-documented across eastern North America with over 7,500 iNaturalist observations.
Iridopsis
Iridopsis is a genus of geometrid moths (family Geometridae) established by Warren in 1894. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Americas. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of trees, including eucalyptus pests in Brazil and native tree feeders in Chile. Host plant associations vary among species, with some showing narrow specificity and others broader feeding ranges.
Iridopsis clivinaria
mountain mahogany looper moth
Iridopsis clivinaria is a geometrid moth commonly known as the mountain mahogany looper moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22–25 mm. The species has a single annual generation and is active from spring through early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on woody shrubs in western North America.
Iridopsis dataria
Iridopsis dataria is a geometrid moth species distributed across North and Central America. The species was described by Grote in 1882 and is classified within the subfamily Ennominae. Larvae of related Iridopsis species have been documented as occasional pests of soybean, though specific records for I. dataria on this host are limited. The species is recognized by taxonomic authorities including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
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.
Iridopsis fragilaria
Kiawe Moth
Iridopsis fragilaria is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, commonly known as the Kiawe Moth. It has a notably broad distribution spanning Central America, North America, and Oceania including Hawaii. The species was described by Grossbeck in 1909 and is assigned Hodges number 6585. It is relatively well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 600 observations.
Iridopsis obliquaria
Oblique Looper Moth
Iridopsis obliquaria, commonly known as the oblique looper moth, is a geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species is recorded from North America and Middle America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6577. Larvae of related Iridopsis species have been documented feeding on soybean, though specific host associations for I. obliquaria remain poorly documented.
Iridopsis perfectaria
Iridopsis perfectaria is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was originally described as Anacamptodes perfectaria by McDunnough in 1940 and later transferred to the genus Iridopsis. The species belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, which contains many twig-mimicking caterpillars. It is distributed in North America and Middle America.
Iridopsis sanctissima
Iridopsis sanctissima is a species of geometrid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It is a member of the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of inchworm moths whose larvae are characterized by their distinctive looping locomotion. The species has been recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its small size and limited distribution suggest it may be associated with specific host plants in desert scrub or chaparral habitats, though these relationships remain poorly documented.
Isturgia
Isturgia is a genus of geometrid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and contains species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia. Several species have been studied for their biology and ecological roles, including one species (I. disputaria) investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive acacia species. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain incompletely resolved, particularly for species complexes such as I. limbaria/roraria.
Ixala
Ixala is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains four described species: Ixala desperaria, Ixala proutearia, Ixala klotsi, and Ixala adventaria. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group within the geometer moths.
Knudsonia
Knudsonia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae. The genus was established to accommodate species previously placed in other genera within the subfamily Ennominae. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted in distribution. The genus is named in honor of the lepidopterist Edward C. Knudson.
Lambdina
Lambdina is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately ten described species distributed in North America. Several species are significant forest defoliators, particularly the hemlock looper (L. fiscellaria) and its subspecies, which cause economically damaging outbreaks in coniferous forests. The genus exhibits typical geometrid morphology with larvae commonly referred to as loopers due to their characteristic looping gait. Species within Lambdina can be distinguished by host associations, flight periods, and overwintering stages.
Lambdina fervidaria
curve-lined looper, spring hemlock looper, curved-lined looper moth
Lambdina fervidaria is a geometrid moth found in eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm and are active from May to August. The species has two recognized subspecies with slightly different host plant preferences. Larvae feed on hardwood trees including oaks and ashes, while the subspecies L. f. athasaria specializes on conifers such as balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Lambdina fiscellaria
Hemlock Looper Moth, Mournful Thorn
Lambdina fiscellaria is a North American geometrid moth known as the hemlock looper or mournful thorn. It is a significant forest pest, particularly of coniferous trees, capable of causing complete defoliation and tree mortality during outbreaks. The species comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges and host preferences: the eastern hemlock looper (L. f. fiscellaria), western hemlock looper (L. f. lugubrosa), and western oak looper (L. f. somniaria). Adults are active from August to October with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm.
Lambdina flavilinearia
Lambdina flavilinearia is a North American geometrid moth described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as loopers or inchworms, referring to the characteristic movement of their caterpillars. It is recorded in the MONA/Hodges numbering system as 6890.
Lambdina punctata
Lambdina punctata is a geometrid moth species known as a looper, documented in Utah and recorded as a host for the ichneumon wasp Coccygomimus sanguinipes erythropus. The species belongs to a genus of moths commonly associated with woody plants, though specific life history details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Lampropteryx
Lampropteryx is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by English entomologist James Francis Stephens in 1831. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning "bright wing," referring to the characteristic glossy sheen on the forewings. The genus contains at least nine described species distributed across the Palearctic region, including the well-known water carpet (L. suffumata) and Devon carpet (L. otregiata).
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.
Leptostales
Leptostales is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Sterrhinae, established by Möschler in 1890. The genus contains multiple species, with Leptostales ignifera being the most studied due to its potential as a biocontrol agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. Members are leaf-feeding moths found in subtropical regions of the Americas.
Letispe
Letispe is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Alexander Douglas Campbell Ferguson in 2008. The genus contains a single described species, Letispe metanemaria, originally described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. This genus is restricted to the southwestern North American region.
Leucobrephos
Leucobrephos is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Archiearinae. The genus was described by Grote in 1874 and contains three recognized species: L. brephoides, L. middendorfii, and L. mongolicum. Species in this genus are distributed across northern regions of Eurasia and North America.
Leucobrephos brephoides
Scarce Infant Moth
Leucobrephos brephoides is a small geometrid moth known as the scarce infant moth. It is one of the earliest moths to appear in spring, with adults active from March through May. The species is restricted to North American boreal and montane forests, where its larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen and birch.
Linycus
Linycus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cameron in 1903. These wasps are known to parasitize hosts in the moth family Geometridae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Europe, North America, and Japan.
Lithostege
Lithostege is a species-rich genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, containing approximately 53 described species worldwide. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and exhibits a predominantly Palaearctic distribution, with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America. African occurrences are limited to northern Palaearctic regions. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with recent revisions adding new species from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and China.
Lithostege angelicata
Lithostege angelicata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1923. The species is known to occur in North America. Like other members of the genus Lithostege, it is a small geometrid moth, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Lithostege marcata
Lithostege marcata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916. It is known from North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7630. Very few observations exist, with limited published information on its biology.
Lithostege rotundata
Lithostege rotundata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Packard in 1874 and is native to North America. As a member of the Geometridae family, it belongs to a large and diverse group of moths commonly known as geometer moths or inchworms, recognized for their characteristic larval locomotion.
Lobocleta plemyraria
Straight-lined Wave
Lobocleta plemyraria, commonly known as the straight-lined wave, is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Sterrhinae. It is distributed across North America. The species is referenced in North American moth classification systems with Hodges number 7097. It is a member of a genus containing multiple wave moth species characterized by subtle wing patterns.
Lomographa
Lomographa is a genus of geometrid moths in the tribe Baptini, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Palearctic region, with some extending into North America. The best-studied species is Lomographa bimaculata (White-pinion Spotted), which has served as a model for genomic studies. Adult moths are generally small with white or pale wings and distinctive dark markings.
Lomographa vestaliata
White Spring Moth, Spring Faerie
A small, all-white geometrid moth with a wingspan of 15–23 mm. Adults are diurnal and active in spring, often associated with flowering plants. The species occurs across much of North America in dry, shrubby habitats.
Lycia ursaria
Stout Spanworm Moth, Bear
Lycia ursaria is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the stout spanworm moth or bear. First described by Francis Walker in 1860, it occurs in southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on leaves of various broadleaved trees and shrubs. The species has a single generation per year.