Sterrhinae
Guides
Acratodes
Acratodes is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1857. Some taxonomic sources treat it as a synonym of the genus Xystrota. The genus contains at least three described species, including the type species Acratodes phakellurata.
Acratodes suavata
Acratodes suavata is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Sterrhinae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. The species is recorded from the Caribbean and North America, with 310 observations documented on iNaturalist. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7148.
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 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.
Cyclophora pendulinaria
sweetfern geometer moth, pearly-grey wave
A small geometrid moth with wingspan 17–26 mm, found across much of North America from Newfoundland to the Yukon and south to Georgia. Adults are active from spring through fall, with larvae feeding on sweetfern (Comptonia) and alder (Alnus) leaves. The species inhabits moist to mesic forests.
Euacidalia brownsvillea
Euacidalia brownsvillea is a geometrid moth described by Cassino in 1931. The species exhibits an unusual disjunct distribution, occurring in both Texas and Hawaii. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group commonly known as wavy-line or carpet moths.
Euacidalia quakerata
Euacidalia quakerata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Cassino in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae and is recorded from North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7089.
Haematopis
Chickweed Geometer
Haematopis is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing the single species Haematopis grataria, commonly known as the chickweed geometer. This small, day-flying moth is widespread across North America, recognized by its pale yellow wings marked with distinctive pink or red bands and spots. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1823, with the species described by Johan Christian Fabricius in the same year.
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 hilliata
Hill's wave moth, Hill's Wave
Idaea hilliata, known as Hill's wave moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in at least 77 observations. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7118 in North American moth classification systems.
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 micropterata
Idaea micropterata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. It is native to North America and has been assigned MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number 7119. Like other members of the genus Idaea, it belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, commonly known as wave moths or carpet moths due to their characteristic wing patterns.
Idaea nibseata
Idaea nibseata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae. It was described by Cassino in 1931. The species is known from North America and belongs to the large genus Idaea, commonly known as wave moths or dwarf geometer moths.
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 pervertipennis
Chestnut-banded Wave
Idaea pervertipennis is a geometrid moth species in the family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae. Originally described by Hulst in 1900 as Cysteophora pervertipennis, it is now classified in the genus Idaea. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7107. Commonly called the Chestnut-banded Wave, it is documented in biodiversity databases with 339 iNaturalist observations.
Idaea productata
Ochre Wave
Idaea productata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Ochre Wave. It was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7112.
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 scintillularia
Diminutive Wave
Idaea scintillularia, commonly known as the diminutive wave, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. It belongs to the family Geometridae, which includes the wave moths and inchworms. The species is recognized by its small size and characteristic wing patterns typical of the genus Idaea. It has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 7105 in North American moth classification systems.
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).
Lobocleta peralbata
Speckled Wave
Lobocleta peralbata is a small geometrid moth known as the Speckled Wave, with a wingspan of 11–20 mm. It is widespread across the southeastern and southwestern United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, from December through September. The species belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, which includes many small wave moths with delicate patterning.
Lophosis labeculata
Stained Lophosis, stained lophosis moth
Lophosis labeculata, commonly known as the stained lophosis moth, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Lophosis. It is a geometrid moth found across North America. The species was first described by Hulst in 1887, with the genus established in 1896. It is relatively well-documented with over 2,400 observations.
Odontoptila obrimo
Orbed Wave
Odontoptila obrimo, known as the Orbed Wave, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Odontoptila. This geometrid moth is found from the southern United States through Central America. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group commonly referred to as waves due to their characteristic wing patterns.
Protoproutia
Protoproutia is a genus of geometrid moths erected by James Halliday McDunnough in 1939. The genus currently contains two recognized species: Protoproutia rusticaria (the type species) and Protoproutia laredoata. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae within the family Geometridae. The genus has been documented in citizen science observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Protoproutia laredoata
Protoproutia laredoata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Cassino in 1931. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7093. The species is documented across North America with substantial observational records.
Scopula apparitaria
Scopula apparitaria is a small moth in the family Geometridae, described by Francis Walker in 1861. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. It has a broad neotropical distribution, occurring from the southern United States through Central America and into South America, with records from the Greater Antilles. Like other members of the genus Scopula, it possesses the characteristic 'wave' patterning typical of the group.
Scopula benitaria
Scopula benitaria is a small geometrid moth first described from North America in 1913. It is one of many species in the diverse genus Scopula, commonly known as wave moths due to the wavy transverse lines on their wings. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the family Geometridae, its larvae are likely 'inchworms' with reduced prolegs, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Scopula cacuminaria
Frosted Tan Wave
Scopula cacuminaria, commonly known as the frosted tan wave, is a small geometrid moth described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 18–23 mm and are active in July in Alberta, Canada. The species occurs across southern Canada from the Maritimes to southern British Columbia, extending south to Texas.
Scopula compensata
small frosted wave, Dark-marked Wave
Scopula compensata is a small geometrid moth of the family Geometridae, described by Francis Walker in 1861. The species is known by two common names: 'small frosted wave' (traditional) and 'Dark-marked Wave' (preferred on iNaturalist). It is restricted to the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The wingspan is approximately 15 mm. Like other members of the genus Scopula, the larvae are inchworm-type caterpillars that feed on various plants.
Scopula lautaria
Small Frosted Wave, small frosted wave moth
Scopula lautaria, commonly known as the small frosted wave moth, is a species of geometrid moth described by Jacob Hübner in 1831. It is a member of the family Geometridae, which includes the inchworm moths, and belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae. The species is distributed across parts of North America, particularly in the southeastern United States.
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 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.
Semaeopus cantona
Semaeopus cantona is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Schaus in 1901 and is found in Central America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7143. As a member of subfamily Sterrhinae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly known as carpet moths or waves.
Sterrhini
Sterrhini is a tribe of geometer moths comprising approximately 825 species across 19 genera, with an additional 6 genera and 36 species tentatively associated. The tribe was established by Edward Meyrick in 1892 and represents one of the major lineages within the subfamily Sterrhinae. Members of this tribe are predominantly small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. The genus Idaea is the most species-rich and widely distributed within the tribe.