Xanthotype urticaria, the false crocus geometer, is a North American moth in the family Geometridae.
Description
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.Charles V. Covell Jr. (2005). Moths of Eastern North America. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA.
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.
The rufous geometer is a deeper yellow and has a reddish fringe.
Flight This moth is on the wing from May to November.
Host plants Here is a list of host plants used by the false crocus geometer:
Red osier dogwood, Cornus sericea Ground-ivy, Glechoma hederacea Catnip, Nepeta sp. Rhodora, Rhododendron canadense Goldenrods, Solidago sp.
References