Macaria gambarina
Common NameMacaria gambarina
Scientific NameMacaria gambarina
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, tan
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with host vegetation
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia)
Host PlantsUnknown, likely various trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with local peaks
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as 'inchworms' or 'loopers' due to their characteristic looping gait. They feed on foliage before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and gray cryptic pattern, the distinct dark transverse lines on the forewings, and the slightly angled or scalloped outer margin of the hindwings. Differentiation from similar species often requires examination of genitalic structures.
Description
A small to medium-sized geometrid moth with cryptic brown and gray mottled wings. The forewings feature several irregular, dark brown transverse lines and a distinct darker band along the outer margin.
