Insect · GBIF taxon 1983326
Eupithecia chimera
Eupithecia chimeraEupithecia chimera is a small, cryptically patterned geometrid moth that blends seamlessly into weathered bark and lichens. Adults flatten their wings flush against surfaces during the day, taking flight under cover of darkness to visit nectar sources and find mates. Caterpillars move with the signature looping gait of inchworms, browsing inconspicuously on the foliage and blossoms of native montane plants.
NocturnalCrypticMontane
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Andreas Manz · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Honeydew
- Tree sap
Predators
- Bats
- Insectivorous birds
- Orb-weaver spiders
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fires, and artificial light pollution disrupting nocturnal cycles.
HabitatsPine-oak woodlands, scrub, and mixed montane forests across Mexico.
Life span1–3 weeks as an adult; approximately 1 year total life cycle.
Classification
- FamilyGeometridae
- SpeciesEupithecia chimera
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless and safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light sheets: Hang an ultraviolet or white light near woodland borders on warm, moonless nights to attract flying adults.
- Daytime spotting: Scan textured tree trunks and fence posts where resting moths remain entirely motionless.
Close Relative (c) Joseph McPhail, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) mnauky, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Same Family (c) mnauky, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.