Lepidoptera1358 species

Family Geometrid Moths (Geometridae)

Geometridae is a family in the order Lepidoptera. Browse 1,358 named species recorded in this family, or open an individual profile for its available identification and natural-history information.

Species in Geometridae (1,358)

Kent's Geometer - Hodges#6818

Selenia kentaria

Identification: adults mimic wilted leaves and hold wings over head at rest, while the larvae resemble twigs

Purple Thorn

Selenia tetralunaria

Wingspan 30-38 mm. The silvery crescent on purplish brown forewing is larger than on Lunar Thorn and it has a dark central spot towards outer edge of hindwing upperside. The late summer moths are paler. Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy a

Semaeopus ella - Hodges#7141

Semaeopus ella

Identification: Highly variable. See plates at Moths of Southeastern Arizona

Semaeopus gracilata - Hodges#7142

Semaeopus gracilata

Semaeopus gracilata - Hodges#7142 (Semaeopus gracilata) is a species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometrid moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Sterrhinae, tribe Cos

Semaeopus marginata - Hodges#7145

Semaeopus marginata

Identification: Similar to Semaeopus ella , but generally plainer yellow, more mottled, and with a collapsed forewing discal spot. Females have a distinct dark wing margin.

Sericoptera virginaria - Hodges#6994

Sericoptera virginaria

Identification: The original description as Ripula virginaria Hulst and a later description as Sericoptera insularis Warren are both available online in the print references below.

Sericosema immaculata - Hodges#6673

Sericosema immaculata

Identification: Barnes & McDunnough original description as Euemera immaculata is available online in the print references. Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Sericosema wilsonensis - Hodges#6674

Sericosema wilsonensis

Identification: Cassino & Swett original description is online in the print references. Specimen determined by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Sicya crocearia - Hodges#6911

Sicya crocearia

Identification: Specimen identified by DNA analysis:

Sharp-lined Yellow - Hodges#6912

Sicya macularia

Identification: Adult: forewing yellow with distinctive broad pinkish border, although the intensity of the pink margin varies considerably; female slightly larger than male, with coarser dark speckling; hindwing with similar pattern but paler colors

Sicyopsis blanchardata - Hodges#6916.1

Sicyopsis blanchardata

Identification: Ferguson states this moth seems to have no close relatives Head: Pale, tawny-yellow. Eyes large, slightly smaller on female. Antenna: Simple, slightly thicker on male. Thorax: Pale tawny-yellow, long hairs (scales). Wings: Pale tawny-

Slossonia rubrotincta - Hodges#6816

Slossonia rubrotincta

Identification: Hulst original description is online in the print references. Powell & Opler reported the adults always rest butterfly-style, with wings held high.

Snowia montanaria - Hodges#6875

Snowia montanaria

Identification: Distinctive bold dark AM and PM lines.

Somatolophia haydenata - Hodges#6947

Somatolophia haydenata

Identification: "Head, thorax, and abdomen similar to those of pallescens ; antennae with from 49 to 51 segments, terminal 12 to 14 simple, longest pectinations 1.5 to 1.6mm. in length" . Genitalia:

White-banded Carpet - Hodges#7313

Spargania luctuata

Identification: Adult - sexually dimorphic. Larva - pale green or brown with dark cross-shaped markings.

Double-banded Carpet - Hodges#7312

Spargania magnoliata

Identification: forewing gray with white AM and PM bands, and up to 10 scalloped dark gray lines variably shaded with black; discal spot large, black hindwing dirty white shaded with gray, usually with slight pink tint; terminal line black; finge whi

Spargania viredescens - Hodges#7309

Spargania viridescens

Identification: The original description as Hydriomena viridescens Grossbeck is available online in the print references below. Determined by Noel McFarland.

Sphacelodes vulneraria - Hodges#6800

Sphacelodes vulneraria

Identification: Dusky brown upperwings with a small obtuse yellow or orange triangle along the leading edge. Antenna are the same color as those triangles, contrasting strongly with the dark head and body. A single tiny white fleck near the leading e

Spodolepis substriataria - Hodges#6799

Spodolepis substriataria

Identification: Adult: forewing light gray with black speckling, often with shades of brown along costa and apex; jagged AM and PM lines resemble a dog's head in profile, with the dark discal spot forming the eye; extent of dark markings, including t

Stamnodes albiapicata - Hodges#7335

Stamnodes albiapicata

Identification: Specimen determined by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Stamnodes blackmorei - Hodges#7334

Stamnodes blackmorei

Identification: Swett original description is online.

Stamnodes coenonymphata - Hodges#7341

Stamnodes coenonymphata

Identification: Tanner Matson is working on a North American revision of Stamnodes as part of his PhD dissertation; Glenn Fine's specimen "is a less common form of Stamnodes coenonymphata. This species is extremely variable in color but underside pat

Stamnodes deceptiva - Hodges#7355

Stamnodes deceptiva

Identification: Very closely similar to S. fervefactaria , but usually found at lower elevations and apparently not ranging so far northward nor eastward. Averaging smaller in size. Light coloring variable in hue, but most commonly prevalently oran

Stamnodes fergusoni - Hodges#7355.1

Stamnodes fergusoni

Identification: Adults can be immediately separated from most Stamnodes by its orange ground color and pattern of lead-gray patches across the forewing and hindwing. North of Mexico, Stamnodes fergusoni may only be confused with Stamnodes deceptiva o

Stamnodes fervefactaria - Hodges#7354

Stamnodes fervefactaria

Identification: Very closely similar to S. deceptiva , but usually found at higher elevations and apparently ranging farther northward. Averaging larger in size. Light coloring variable in hue, often orange above and distinctly pinkish below, or may

Stamnodes formosata - Hodges#7347

Stamnodes formosata

Stamnodes formosata - Hodges#7347 (Stamnodes formosata) is a species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometrid moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Larentiinae, tribe St

Stamnodes franckata - Hodges#7350

Stamnodes franckata

Identification: See original description in the print references below.

Stamnodes reckseckeri - Hodges#7336

Stamnodes reckseckeri

Stamnodes reckseckeri - Hodges#7336 (Stamnodes reckseckeri) is a species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometrid moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Larentiinae, trib

Stamnodes seiferti - Hodges#7353

Stamnodes seiferti

Identification: Upper side and lower front wing dull yellowish orange to orange; front wing crossed part way by bold dark diagonal bar, and above with dark apex often extending narrowly downward along outer margin. Lower hind wing finely mottled or s

Stamnodes topazata - Hodges#7349

Stamnodes topazata

Identification: Adult: forewing variably pale cream to dark yellow, with contrasting dark gray band across apex; hindwing similarly colored but without the dark apical band

Stamnodes watsoni - Hodges#7365

Stamnodes watsoni

Identification: Distinction from S. marmorata (from further west) is weak.

Stenoporpia dionaria - Hodges#6458

Stenoporpia dionaria

Identification: The Rindge revised description is available online in PDF. Specimens identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Stenoporpia macdunnoughi - Hodges#6470

Stenoporpia macdunnoughi

Identification: The Rindge revised description in PDF. The pale wings have bold discal spot and wide reddish brown bands along the transverse lines.

Stenoporpia pulmonaria - Hodges#6463

Stenoporpia pulmonaria

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Stenoporpia separataria - Hodges#6473

Stenoporpia separataria

Identification: Detailed description by Rindge can be found at the link in citations below.

Stergamataea delicatum - Hodges#6710

Stergamataea delicatum

Identification: Head, thorax, abdomen and ground color of wings dark flesh color with a brownish cast, the wings sprinkled over with dark scales, especially in the outer areas. See original description listed below for a complicated description of b

Stergamataea inornata - Hodges#6709

Stergamataea inornata

Identification: Original description by Hulst can be found at link in citations below.

Aberrant aerata-frondaria

Synchlora aerata-frondaria

Identification: The specimen was sent to Miss. Entomol. Museum where the genitalia were examined and from where Richard Brown reports: "Although the lines are thick and unlike Synchlora, the genitalia are a match for Synchlora frondaria/S. aerata (Fe

Oblique-striped Emerald - Hodges#7065

Synchlora bistriaria

Identification: Adult: forewing bright green with two almost straight and almost parallel white lines crossing wing at slight angle; hindwing white at base, green only beyond white PM line, more so toward anal angle. As in some other Synchlora specie

Synchlora cupedinaria - Hodges#7064

Synchlora cupedinaria

Identification: Distinctive brown border along the outer margin.

Synglochis perumbraria - Hodges#6519

Synglochis perumbraria

Identification: The head has a unique tubercle visible with a microscope in both genders: Genitalia: ♀ ♂

Taeniogramma mendicata - Hodges# 6424

Taeniogramma mendicata

Identification: Adapted from Entomologica Americana original description: Head and collar ochreous. Thorax in front narrowly reddish ochreous, otherwise thorax, abdomen and wings soiled white; forewings heavily powdered, outwardly some striated with

Taeniogramma octolineata - Hodges#6423

Taeniogramma octolineata

Identification: The forewing has four regularly spaced nearly parallel transverse lines. The fringe on the outer half has a dark patch. Moths of southeastern Arizona pinned specimen has a label with the spelling "octolieata".

Taeniogramma quadrilinea - Hodges#6359

Taeniogramma quadrilinea

This species is very rare, known in Arizona from only three specimens. (Moths of Southeastern Arizona)

Taeniogramma tenebrosata - Hodges#6425

Taeniogramma tenebrosata

Identification: Ferguson has a detailed description.

Tetracis australis - Hodges#6956.1

Tetracis australis

Currently (2022) the BOLD ( 4 ) specimens in this genus seem to be split, mixed up or duplicated with Synaxis and Tetracis . (see here and here ) It isn't clear why they are using both genera. See also - Specimens of Synaxis brunneilinearia (old nam

Tetracis barnesii - Hodges#6959

Tetracis barnesii

Identification: Sinuous postmedial line is smeared basally at the costal margin and is bordered along the length outwardly by a thin pale yellow-ochre line.

Tetracis cervinaria - Hodges#6956

Tetracis cervinaria

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Tetracis formosa - Hodges#6958

Tetracis formosa

It is possible that the California arid region populations represent a sibling species of T. formosa

Tetracis hirsutaria - Hodges#6960

Tetracis hirsutaria

Identification: Ferris & Schmidt description available online in PDF. Sexually dimorphic.

October Thorn - Hodges#6954

Tetracis jubararia

Identification: Adult - Base color generally tan and dark brown-tan (males) and orange-tan (females). FW apex falcate. AM and PM lines brown; PM line narrow, sinuate, sometimes with very narrowpale outer edge, bending basad at vein M3; MB colored as

Tetracis montanaria - Hodges#6954.1

Tetracis montanaria

Identification: "Base color generally ochreous orange-brown. Forewing apex weakly falcate. AM and PM lines brown; PM line narrow, flattened “S-shape”, with very narrow pale outer edge, bending sharply basad at vein M3; median band slightly darker the

Thallophaga hyperborea - Hodges#6809

Thallophaga hyperborea

Identification: Adult: forewing light brown with dark speckling, pale veins, and diffuse dark median line which is slightly wavy and reaches costa; apex pointed but outer margin not obviously falcate; AM and PM lines with conspicuous black dots at ve

Thallophaga nigroseriata - Hodges#6810

Thallophaga nigroseriata

Identification: Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Thallophaga taylorata - Hodges#6808

Thallophaga taylorata

Identification: Adult: forewing light to medium brown or grayish-brown with dark speckling, pale veins, straight dark median line that fades before reaching costa, and pointed apex with slightly falcate outer margin; PM line with black dots at veins;

Spruce Carpet

Thera britannica

Wingspan 18-25 mm. Triangular in shape, though sometimes seen with wings raised together 'butterfly like'. Colouring is a mixture of greys, browns and buffs. Spruce Carpet is similar to the Pine Carpet and Grey Pine Carpet. Grey Pine Carpet and Spruc

Contracted Spanworm - Hodges#7218

Thera contractata

Identification: Adult: forewing ground color white, densely speckled with brownish-gray; basal line black, wavy; AM and PM lines enclose darker median area which is wide at costa but narrow and constricted at inner margin; subterminal line white, zig

Cypress Carpet

Thera cupressata

Wingspan 26 to 29 mm. Similar to Juniper Carpet but with a series of dark streaks near the apex of the forewing. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box des

Thera latens - Hodges#7220

Thera latens

Identification: Barnes & McDunnough (1917) original description is available in the print references.

Grey Pine Carpet

Thera obeliscata

Wingspan 28-36 mm. This species shows rather more variation than the similar Pine Carpet as its patterning can be any of a mixture of colours from greyish brown to a richer russet colour. Grey Pine Carpet is similar to the Pine Carpet and Spruce Carp

Thera otisi - Hodges#7219

Thera otisi

Identification: Dyar (1904) original description as Mesoleuca simulata otisi is available in the print references. Larva have yellowish green head, body is green with yellowish subdorsal stripe. Spiracular stripe is red and white, with the red on top

Early Moth

Theria primaria

Wingspan 32-37 mm. Like many other winter species, the females are almost wingless. The male is a brown moth usually with a darker spot on each wing. This aptly-named species is to be found on the wing in January and February. It feeds on Hawthorn an

Thyrinteina arnobia - Hodges#6772

Thyrinteina arnobia

Identification: The species has a normal and melanic form, south of the United States. Research has concluded the Brazil population of Thyrinteina arnobia covers its eggs with compounds that are toxic to the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma maxacalii . T

Blood-vein

Timandra comae

The adult rests with the wings held in such a position that the reddish cross-lines of the fore and hind wings form a continuous band. The fringes are also suffused with pink. There is a rare melanic form f.nigra . Marshes, river-banks, damp meadows

Tornos abjectarius - Hodges#6487

Tornos abjectarius

Identification: Genitalia: ♀ ♂ 8/7/2023 - Ann Hendrickson/(JoAnne Russo) It is my opinion that PHOTOGRAPH identification for this species is only accurate for FEMALES (that are fresh with bright white ground color. Age affects the coloration, the old

Tornos benjamini - Hodges#6483

Tornos benjamini

Identification: Adult - see Rindge's description in Print References below. Genitalia: ♀ ♂

Tornos cinctarius - Hodges#6485

Tornos cinctarius

Identification: Both sexes are non-dimorphic, ground color is dark brown with prominent, dark brown to black AM and PM lines. Genitlaia: ♀ ventral, ostium sclerotized plate extends laterally with a pair of outward pointing projections on the posterio

Dimorphic Gray - Hodges#6486

Tornos scolopacinaria

Identification: Genitalia: ♀ ♂ 8/7/2023 Ann Hendrickson: It is my opinion that PHOTOGRAPH identification for this species is only accurate for FEMALES. JR(females that are fresh and have very bright white ground colors can be accurately IDed as scolo

Tracheops bolteri - Hodges#6615

Tracheops bolteri

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Early Tooth-striped

Trichopteryx carpinata

Wingspan 30 to 34 mm. Typically the moth has ill-defined markings, but the northern fasciata form has more contrasting cross-bands. Woodland habitats and well wooded areas. Flies in April and May in a single generation. The larvae feed on various tre

Trichopteryx veritata - Hodges#7636

Trichopteryx veritata

Identification: Specimen determined by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Four-spotted Angle - Hodges#6360

Trigrammia quadrinotaria

Identification: Adult: wings white or very pale brown with brown speckling; lines dark brown, sometimes conspicuously edged with yellow; forewing AM line slightly wavy, sometimes faint; median line straight, heavy; PM line slightly S-curved; dark bro

Triphosa bipectinata - Hodges#7288

Triphosa bipectinata

Identification: Barnes & McDunnough (1917) original description is presented below and online at the link in the print references. "Palpi upturned to about level of front; antennae bipectinate; thorax and primaries light shiny gray-brown, the latter

Triphosa californiata - Hodges#7287

Triphosa californiata

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

The Tissue

Triphosa dubitata

Wingspan 38 to 48 mm. This moth has a slightly glossy appearance to the upperside, and often has a purplish tinge. The preferred habitats are woodland, heathland, chalk and limestone areas, and open bushy places. The adults fly in August and Septembe

Tissue Moth - Hodges#7285

Triphosa haesitata

Identification: FW is variable red brown with darker and lighter wavy bands. HW margin is strongly toothed. Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Some individuals have extensive dark markings. (variations) Genitalia:

Welsh Wave - Hodges#7425

Venusia cambrica

Identification: Adult: forewing white with several lines and dark brown bands crossing wing; terminal line composed of several black triangular spots at ends of veins (a distinguishing feature); median line black, irregular, but lacking prominent not

Pearsall's Carpet Moth - Hodges#7429

Venusia pearsalli

Identification: This species is represented at BOLD by either BOLD:AAB1356 or BOLD:AAB5482 , two BINs in Venusia narrowly separated by mtDNA barcode. (As of 2023, specimens in the latter are misidentified as obsoleta .) Until examination of type spec

Vinemina opacaria - Hodges#6635

Vinemina opacaria

Vinemina opacaria - Hodges#6635 (Vinemina opacaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometrid moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, tribe Melanolo

Xanthorhoe alticolata - Hodges#7385

Xanthorhoe alticolata

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Xanthorhoe defensaria - Hodges#7386

Xanthorhoe defensaria

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).

Flame Carpet

Xanthorhoe designata

Wingspan 25-28 mm. The only likely confusion is with the Red Carpet which has a sinuous outer edge to the central cross-band; in Flame Carpet the outer edge of the central cross-band is dentate with two distinct projections. There are two generations

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

Xanthorhoe ferrugata

Wingspan 18 to 22 mm. The character to separate this species from Red Twin-spot Carpet was previously thought to be a notch on the inner edge of the median fascia close to the costa, but this is no longer considered completely reliable although it is

Garden Carpet

Xanthorhoe fluctuata

Wingspan 18-25 mm. A grey or greyish white moth. Central cross band on forewing blackish in leading half usually pale in trailing half. This moth shows a preference for suburban habitats, but can be found almost anywhere It is continuously-brooded du

Xanthorhoe fossaria - Hodges#7380

Xanthorhoe fossaria

Identification: Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Labrador Carpet Moth - Hodges#7368

Xanthorhoe labradorensis

Identification: Adult : A flimsy moth with a small body and broad wings. FW light grey, slightly mottled. Basal area is red brown, with prominent black AM. Median area, between AM and PM, is rust-red, with a small red-brown patch on the costa, before

Xanthorhoe macdunnoughi - Hodges#7372

Xanthorhoe macdunnoughi

Identification: Dissection or DNA analysis often needed to distinguish.

Silver-ground Carpet

Xanthorhoe montanata

Wingspan 24-28 mm. Displaying a wide range of differing depths of colour, although all forms have the distinctive whitish ground colour. In woodlands, clearings and similar habitats. The adults fly from May into July and it can often be disturbed dur

Xanthorhoe packardata - Hodges#7369

Xanthorhoe packardata

Large Twin-spot Carpet

Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata

Wingspan 29-32 mm. The outer edge of the dark central cross-band is slightly crenulate throughout its length in the Large Twin-spot. Inhabiting woodland habitats and rough grassland in well wooded areas. A single-brooded species, the adult flies in J

Red Twin-spot Carpet

Xanthorhoe spadicearia

Wingspan 24-27 mm. Similar to Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, but more common in VC55. The presence or absence of a notch on the inner edge of the median fascia close to the costa is no longer considered a reliable character to separate the two species

Rufous Geometer Moth - Hodges#6742

Xanthotype rufaria

Identification: The original description is available online in the print references below. The Rindge revised description, including detailed description of genitalia, is available in PDF.