Operophterini
Guides
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.