crocus geometer moths
(Xanthotype spp.)
Overview • Description • Distribution • Taxonomy
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Description |
Adults are pale yellow or bright yellow with numerous pinkish- or purplish-brown spots. The background color and density of spotting is variable. Some individuals have just a few large dark spots on a pale yellow background, others are heavily spotted on a dark yellow background. Unfortunately, this does not help to identify the species. A study (Rindge, 1978) of 1,886 specimens concluded that there is no reliable way to distinguish species within this genus except by genital dissection, a procedure not ordinarily performed in the field. “The adults of all species in this genus are, for practical purposes, externally indistinguishable from one another, as they are almost identical in color, maculation, and size.” |
Distribution |
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Sources 4, 21, 24, 27, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82, 83.
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| 8/17/2024 | ||
Taxonomy |
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Order |
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Superfamily |
Geometroidea (geometrid and swallowtail moths) |
Family |
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Subfamily |
Ennominae |
Tribe |
Angeronini |
The genus Xanthotype was assigned to the tribe Angeronini in 1983. Four analyses published between 2015 and 2019 suggest that Angeronini should be considered a junior synonym of Gnophini. This recommendation has not been widely followed. One source that does follow it is iNaturalist, but in this they appear unique. |
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Subordinate Taxa |
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crocus geometer (Xanthotype sospeta) false crocus geometer moth (Xanthotype urticaria) geometer moth (Xanthotype attenuaria) geometer moth (Xanthotype barnesi) rufus geometer moth (Xanthotype rufaria) |
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Synonyms |
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Common Names |
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crocus geometer moths |
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Visitor Photos |
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Angie Busch |
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| resting on the side of the house |
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Greg Watson |
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Kristi Wicklund |
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Tom Baker |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
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Other Videos |
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Part 10: Common Typical Geometer Moths (Family Geometridae) |
About
Published on Jan 23, 2013 A visual introduction to thirty-six species of Typical Geometer Moths (Family Geometridae, Subfamily Ennominae). These include the following thirty-one genera: Alsophila, Speranza, Macaria, Digrammia, Iridopsis, Anavitrinella, Protoboarmia, Melanolophia, Biston, Hypagyrtis, Phigalia, Paleacrita, Erannis, Cabera, Euchlaena, Xanthotype, Pero, Campaea, Ennomos, Metanema, Probole, Plagodis, Caripeta, Nepytia, Sicya, Eusarca, Tetracis, Eugonobapta, Eutrapela, Prochoerodes, and Nematocampa. Specimens shown here were photographed in North Dakota and Minnesota during 2010-12. This short educational film was made in Grand Forks, North Dakota (23 January 2013). |
Crocus or False Crocus Geometer Moth (Xanthotype) Male on Wall |
About
Uploaded on Aug 6, 2011 Photographed at Red Wing, Minnesota (04 August 2011). |
Visitor Sightings |
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Angie Busch |
Location: Rudolph, Ohio resting on the side of the house |
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| Greg Watson 8/17/2022 |
Location: La Crescent, MN |
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| Kristi Wicklund 6/16/2020 |
Location: south Central Ottertail County Minnesota. Inspiration Peak area. |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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Created: 10/11/2012 Last Updated: © MinnesotaSeasons.com. All rights reserved. |