A curious Geometrid moth
Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 5:36 am
Geometer moths (Geometridae) are a very large family
which at present has around 23,000 species described
within its ranks. Some 1400 indigenous species are known
from North America.
As a general rule most adults live a life of cryptic "blending
in -- in plain sight". Looking very much bark colored but, also
in shades of yellows and greens so as to look like leaves or the
yellowed portions. An additional enhancement of sorts is their
"flattened" looking appearance with occasional windows present
on wings as well.
One could probably spend a dedicated lifetime just trying to
become somewhat "worldly" on their systematics; yet still
need another lifetime to study them further !
I don't collect them personally but, I have long marvelled at
their sheer diversity, form, and amazing cryptic capabilities.
Whenever I have opportunity to examine collections I (at the
very least) take photographs of the more curious species or
purchase/trade for something where possible....
Below, I offer one of my more "curious" finds from a collection
being parted-out. Found only by happenstance its light-green
coloration, sharply angled wing design, and windowed hindwings
made it a standout within its drawer.
It is also not small in Geometrid (terms) in that its wing
expanse is about 1(3/4) inches.
This unidentified species hails from Chiapas, Mexico.
which at present has around 23,000 species described
within its ranks. Some 1400 indigenous species are known
from North America.
As a general rule most adults live a life of cryptic "blending
in -- in plain sight". Looking very much bark colored but, also
in shades of yellows and greens so as to look like leaves or the
yellowed portions. An additional enhancement of sorts is their
"flattened" looking appearance with occasional windows present
on wings as well.
One could probably spend a dedicated lifetime just trying to
become somewhat "worldly" on their systematics; yet still
need another lifetime to study them further !
I don't collect them personally but, I have long marvelled at
their sheer diversity, form, and amazing cryptic capabilities.
Whenever I have opportunity to examine collections I (at the
very least) take photographs of the more curious species or
purchase/trade for something where possible....
Below, I offer one of my more "curious" finds from a collection
being parted-out. Found only by happenstance its light-green
coloration, sharply angled wing design, and windowed hindwings
made it a standout within its drawer.
It is also not small in Geometrid (terms) in that its wing
expanse is about 1(3/4) inches.
This unidentified species hails from Chiapas, Mexico.