Geometridae
Guides
Lycia ypsilon
Woolly Gray Moth, woolly gray
Lycia ypsilon, commonly known as the woolly gray moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in North America. The species has two recognized subspecies: L. y. ypsilon and L. y. carlotta. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6652, a standard identifier used in North American moth classification.
Lytrosis
Lytrosis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus comprises four described species distributed in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths often characterized by their broad, somewhat triangular wings at rest.
Lytrosis permagnaria
charcoal lytrosis
Lytrosis permagnaria is a species of geometrid moth commonly known as the charcoal lytrosis. It belongs to the family Geometridae, which includes the inchworm moths. The species was originally described by Packard in 1876 under the name Stenotrachelys permagnaria. It is native to North America.
Macaria abruptata
Ninebark Angles
Macaria abruptata, commonly known as Ninebark Angles, is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is a member of the diverse genus Macaria, which includes numerous species of angle moths. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1862. Based on its common name and the ecology of congeners, it likely has associations with ninebark (Physocarpus) host plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Macaria bicolorata
bicolored angle, Southern Pine and Cypress Angles
Macaria bicolorata, commonly known as the bicolored angle, is a geometrid moth native to Eastern North America. Adults are active from May through August, with timing varying by location. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. Larvae feed on Pinus species, establishing a specific host relationship with conifers.
Macaria brunneata
Rannoch looper
Macaria brunneata, the Rannoch looper, is a day-flying geometrid moth with a distinctive resting posture. The species shows a disjunct distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in boreal and montane regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Britain, it is highly localized to mature pine forests in central Scotland. The caterpillars feed on Ericaceae, particularly Vaccinium species.
Macaria decorata
Macaria decorata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by George D. Hulst in 1896. It belongs to the diverse genus Macaria, which contains numerous species of inchworm moths distributed primarily across North America. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been recorded in biodiversity databases, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Macaria flavicaria
Macaria flavicaria is a North American geometrid moth first described by Packard in 1876. It belongs to the genus Macaria, a group of moths commonly known as angle moths or inchworm moths. The species is rarely observed, with limited documentation in entomological databases.
Macaria graphidaria
Bold-marked Granite
Macaria graphidaria is a North American moth species in the family Geometridae, described by George D. Hulst in 1887. Adults display distinctive wing patterning with bold, dark markings on a lighter background. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has been documented across western North America. Larval stages feed on conifer foliage.
Macaria grossbecki
Macaria grossbecki is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The species was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as angle moths or bark moths. Available records indicate it is rarely encountered, with limited observational data.
Macaria guenearia
Macaria guenearia is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is endemic to California, United States. The species was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876. As a member of the genus Macaria, it shares the characteristic wing patterns and resting postures typical of this group of moths.
Macaria marcescaria
Macaria marcescaria is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It is one of numerous Macaria species characterized by relatively small size and cryptic coloration patterns typical of the genus. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating ongoing contemporary presence and study.
Macaria notata
peacock moth
Macaria notata, the peacock moth, is a Holarctic geometrid moth with a distinctive wing pattern featuring a black spot resembling a paw print on the forewing. The species is distributed across northern Eurasia and North America, where it inhabits deciduous forests and meadows. Adults are active primarily from May to June, with two generations in central Europe. The caterpillars feed on leaves of deciduous trees including birch, oak, alder, poplar, and blackthorn.
Macaria occiduaria
The Barred Gray
Macaria occiduaria is a geometrid moth in the tribe Macariini, commonly known as the Barred Gray. The species is characterized by gray forewings with distinct dark transverse lines and a relatively broad wingspan for its genus. It is native to western North America and has been documented in a moderate number of observations. Adults are active during summer months.
Macaria oweni
Owen's larch looper, Owen's angle moth, Owen's Angle
Macaria oweni is a small geometrid moth native to northern North America. The species is specialized on tamarack (Larix laricina) as a larval host. Adults are active during early summer, with a single annual generation. The moth was first described from specimens collected in New England.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Macaria signaria
dusky peacock, pale-marked angle, spruce-fir looper, Northern Conifer Angles
Macaria signaria is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 20–28 mm. Two subspecies are recognized: M. s. signaria across Eurasia and M. s. dispuncta in North America. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has been documented feeding on spruce and larch as larvae.
Macaria simplex
Macaria simplex is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Dyar in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group commonly known as carpet moths or loopers. The genus Macaria contains numerous North American species, many of which are associated with coniferous and deciduous forests. Specific ecological and biological details for M. simplex remain poorly documented in available literature.
Macaria simpliciata
Macaria simpliciata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. It was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species is known from a limited number of observations, with iNaturalist recording 16 observations as of the available data. Like other members of the genus Macaria, it is presumed to be a small to medium-sized moth with cryptic coloration adapted for resting on bark or foliage.
Macaria truncataria
Black-banded Orange Moth
Macaria truncataria, commonly known as the Black-banded Orange Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is part of the diverse genus Macaria, which includes numerous North American species characterized by distinctive wing patterns. Adults are recognized by their orange and black coloration.
Malacodea pulchraria
A Nearctic geometrid moth transferred from the genus Epirrita to Malacodea based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. It forms a sister-taxon relationship with the Palearctic Malacodea regelaria, with both species sharing conifer-feeding larvae that distinguish them from other Operophterini. Male genital morphology supports this close phylogenetic relationship. The species was originally described by Taylor in 1907.
Marmopteryx
Marmopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Packard in 1874. The genus is currently considered a synonym of Stamnodes, with its type species Marmopteryx morrisata (Hulst, 1887) now placed as Stamnoctenis morrisata. The genus is known from a single species originally described from the northeastern United States.
Melanchroia
white-tipped black moths, snowbush spanworms
Melanchroia is a genus of diurnal moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by Jakob Hübner in 1819 and contains eight described species distributed from the southeastern United States through the Neotropics to Argentina. Adults are notable for their striking black and white or black and red coloration, often mistaken for tiger moths or wasp-mimicking groups. The best-known species, M. chephise (white-tipped black or snowbush spanworm), is an occasional pest of ornamental plants whose gregarious larvae feed on Euphorbiaceae.
Melanchroia chephise
white-tipped black, snowbush spanworm
Melanchroia chephise is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the white-tipped black or snowbush spanworm. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to Paraguay. The adult exhibits striking black wings with white apical patches, while the gregarious larvae feed on foliage of plants in the Phyllanthaceae family, particularly Breynia and Phyllanthus species. Despite occasional outbreaks that defoliate ornamental plantings, the species typically causes no lasting harm to hosts and poses no risk to humans.
Melanolophia
Melanolophia is a genus of geometrid moths established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. Species within this genus are commonly referred to as forest loopers, reflecting their woodland habitat associations and the characteristic looping movement of their larvae. Some species, particularly Melanolophia imitata, occur in large numbers and attract attention due to their abundance, though they show limited migratory behavior. At least one species, Melanolophia consimilaria, has been documented as a defoliator of eucalyptus in Brazil.
Melanolophia imitata
Western Carpet, Green-striped Forest Looper
A spring-flying geometrid moth of western North America, notable for large, pale adults that occur in consistently high abundance. Adults fly during late evening and are less attracted to light than many moth species. The species shows minimal migratory movement but can form dense aggregations that create visible 'clouds' in forested habitats. Larvae are conifer-feeding loopers that prefer Douglas fir, Tsuga, and Abies.
Melanolophia imperfectaria
Melanolophia imperfectaria is a geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Francis Walker in 1860. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and is found in North America. The species is recognized by MONA/Hodges number 6622. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and M. i. solida described by Rindge in 1964.
Melanolophia signataria
Signate Melanolophia Moth, signate melanolophia
Melanolophia signataria is a North American geometrid moth with a broad transcontinental range. Adults are active primarily from spring through summer, with larvae feeding on the foliage of numerous deciduous and coniferous tree species. The species shows considerable geographic variation, with a recognized Florida subspecies.
Melanolophiini
Melanolophiini is a tribe of geometrid moths within the subfamily Ennominae. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The group contains several genera, including the type genus Melanolophia. These moths are generally small to medium-sized with relatively subdued coloration compared to some other geometrid groups.
Melemaea
Melemaea is a genus of geometrid moths established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains two recognized species: M. magdalena and M. virgata. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group within the Geometridae. The genus remains poorly documented in scientific literature.
Mellilla
Mellilla is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Its sole species, Mellilla xanthometata (orangewing moth), was described by Francis Walker in 1862. The genus is found across most of eastern North America. Adults are active during both day and night, with two generations per year.
Meris
Meris is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It contains five described species, all restricted to western North America. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and is part of a diverse group of inchworm moths.
Mesoleuca
white-ribboned carpets
Mesoleuca is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus name derives from Greek 'mesos' (middle) and 'leucos' (white), referring to the characteristic white median area on the forewing. Species are commonly known as white-ribboned or beautiful carpets. The genus includes at least three recognized species: M. albicillata (beautiful carpet), M. gratulata (western white-ribboned carpet moth), and M. ruficillata (white-ribboned carpet moth).
Metanema
Metanema is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Achille Guenée in 1857 (published 1858) and currently contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species within this genus are part of the diverse geometrid moth fauna, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths due to the characteristic looping locomotion of their larvae.
Metanema brunneilinearia
A geometrid moth described by Grossbeck in 1907, currently classified in the genus Metanema within subfamily Ennominae. The species has been recorded in limited iNaturalist observations (14 records), suggesting restricted documentation or naturally low abundance. Taxonomic placement has been disputed, with GBIF listing it as a synonym under Synaxis.
Metarranthis homuraria
Purplish Metarranthis Moth, purplish metarranthi
Metarranthis homuraria, commonly known as the Purplish Metarranthis Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was originally described as Endropia homuraria by Grote & Robinson in 1868. The species is recorded across North America and is assigned Hodges number 6828 in the North American moth numbering system.
Metarranthis hypochraria
Common Metarranthis Moth
A geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Larvae are stick mimics that feed primarily on Prunus species. Adults are active in spring, with one generation per year.
Metrica kuschea
Metrica kuschea is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. Originally described as Semiothisa kuschea by Guedet in 1939, it was later transferred to the genus Metrica. The genus Metrica is a small group within the diverse Geometridae family. Information on this species remains sparse, with minimal documented observations.
Monostoecha semipectinata
Monostoecha semipectinata is a small moth and the sole species in the monotypic genus Monostoecha. It was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1898 and later placed in its own genus by David Stephen Fletcher in 1979. The species is known from the American Southwest, with records from arid and semi-arid regions. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Narraga
Narraga is a genus of geometrid moths established by Walker in 1861. The genus includes at least seven described species, with Narraga fimetaria (the green broomweed looper) being the most thoroughly studied due to its potential as a biological control agent for weedy broomweed in rangelands. Species in this genus are associated with open habitats and have narrow host plant associations.
Narraga georgiana
Ohoopee Inchworm Moth
Narraga georgiana is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Charles Covell in 1984. It belongs to the genus Narraga, which comprises a small group of inchworm moths. The species is known from a limited number of observations, with iNaturalist documenting 15 records as of the knowledge cutoff. The common name "Ohoopee Inchworm Moth" references the Ohoopee River region in Georgia, suggesting a geographic association with the southeastern United States.
Nasusina
Nasusina is a genus of small geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Pearsall in 1908. The genus contains five described species distributed in western North America, ranging from California to British Columbia. Members are characterized by their diminutive size and relatively plain wing patterns. The genus name reflects the distinctive snout-like projection of the labial palps in some species.
Nasusina minuta
Nasusina minuta is a small geometrid moth first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States, where adults are active primarily in spring with additional late-season emergences. The species is notable for its diminutive size among geometrid moths.
Nasusina vallis
Nasusina vallis is a small geometrid moth described by Ferris in 2004. It is known from a restricted locality in western Colorado, specifically John Brown Canyon. The species inhabits arid canyon terrain and has been documented with forewing lengths of 9–10 mm. Adults are active in mid to late spring.
Nematocampa baggettaria
Baggett's spanworm moth
Nematocampa baggettaria, commonly known as Baggett's spanworm moth, is a small geometrid moth species described by Ferguson in 1993. It is restricted to the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with adults active during the warmer months.
Nemeris
Nemeris is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Rindge in 1981. The genus contains three described species: N. speciosa, N. percne, and N. sternitzkyi. It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies of geometer moths. The genus appears to have limited documentation, with only 30 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Nemoria
Emerald moths
Nemoria is a genus of emerald moths (Geometridae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus comprises approximately 35 described species distributed primarily in North America. Members are characterized by green coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. At least one species, Nemoria rubrifrontaria, has documented associations with sweet fern (Myrica aspleniifolia) as a larval host.
Nemoria bifilata
White-barred Emerald, white-barred emerald moth
Nemoria bifilata, commonly known as the white-barred emerald moth, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1863 and is native to North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7045. Two subspecies are recognized: N. b. bifilata and N. b. planuscula.
Nemoria bifilata planuscula
Texas White-barred Emerald
Nemoria bifilata planuscula is a subspecies of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Ferguson in 1969. It is known from Texas and represents one of several geographically defined populations within the Nemoria bifilata species complex. The subspecific epithet distinguishes it from other N. bifilata populations based on subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the emerald moth group characterized by green coloration.
Nemoria bistriaria
Red-fringed Emerald, Two-striped Emerald
A small emerald moth with distinctive red or pinkish marginal banding on the wings. Adults are active across much of North America from spring through fall, with multiple generations annually. Two subspecies are recognized, differing in distribution across eastern North America.