New Mexico Carpet Moth
Common NameNew Mexico Carpet Moth
Scientific NameEupithecia maestosa
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown
HabitatConiferous forests, montane areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Host PlantsPseudotsuga menziesii, Abies concolor
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers, feeding on the needles of conifer trees such as Douglas-fir and white fir. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic bark-like coloration and wavy transverse lines across the wings. Definitive identification often requires examination of specific wing markings and sometimes genitalic structures due to many similar-looking species in the genus *Eupithecia*.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey, brown, and reddish-brown wings featuring intricate wavy patterns that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
