Xanthotype urticaria

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False crocus geometer
Xanthotype urticaria.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Xanthotype
Species:
X. urticaria
Binomial name
Xanthotype urticaria
Swett, 1918
Synonyms
  • Xanthotype turbidariaSwett, 1918
  • Xanthotype vagariaSwett, 1918
  • Xanthotype watsoniSwett, 1918

Xanthotype urticaria, the false crocus geometer, is a North American moth in the family Geometridae.

Contents

Description

mounted specimen Xanthotype urticaria, Megan McCarty102.jpg
mounted specimen

The wings are bright yellow with many brownish spots and blotches. Males have more of these spots than females. The wingspan measures 3–4 cm. [1]

Similar species

Similar species in the false crocus geometer's range include the crocus geometer ( Xanthotype sospeta ) and the rufous geometer ( Xanthotype rufaria ).

The crocus geometer is larger, is pale yellow, and has little or no brown spotting. [1]

The rufous geometer is a deeper yellow and has a reddish fringe. [1]

Flight

This moth is on the wing from May to November. [1]

Host plants

Here is a list of host plants used by the false crocus geometer:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Charles V. Covell Jr. (2005). Moths of Eastern North America. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA. ISBN   1-884549-21-7