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

False crocus geometer
Scientific classification
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X. urticaria
Binomial name
Xanthotype urticaria
Swett, 1918
Synonyms
  • Xanthotype turbidaria Swett, 1918
  • Xanthotype vagaria Swett, 1918
  • Xanthotype watsoni Swett, 1918

Description

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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

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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

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

Host plants

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

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Charles V. Covell Jr. (2005). Moths of Eastern North America. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA. ISBN 1-884549-21-7