Insect · GBIF taxon 1991429
Chickweed Geometer Moth
Haematopis gratariaBright yellow wings trimmed with broad pinkish-red borders and delicate cross-bands make this small geometer moth instantly recognizable in low vegetation. Active during both day and night, adults frequently flush from overgrown lawns, pastures, and roadside weed patches across North America. Their inchworm caterpillars feed heavily on chickweed, smartweeds, and clovers before pupating in loose cocoons near the ground.
DiurnalColorfulMoth
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Chickweed
- Smartweed
- Clover
Predators
- Songbirds
- Spiders
- Predatory Insects
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide application and intensive lawn management.
HabitatsOld fields, lawns, meadows, pastures, and disturbed roadsides.
Life span1–3 weeks as adults; 1 year total life cycle.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyGeometridae
- GenusHaematopis
- SpeciesHaematopis grataria
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look Low in Weeds: Search grassy fields, weed patches, and unmowed lawns during sunny afternoon walks.
- Approach Quietly: Adults flush quickly when vegetation is disturbed but usually land again a few meters away.
- Check Night Lights: While predominantly daytime fliers, adults sometimes flutter around outdoor lights after dark.
Host Plant (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Host Plant Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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Moonlight Marvels
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