Variable Eucaterva
Common NameVariable Eucaterva
Scientific NameEucaterva variaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, shrublands, chaparral, desert washes
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico) and parts of Mexico
Host PlantsCeanothus, Rhamnus, Arctostaphylos
Flight PeriodMarch to August (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are caterpillars that feed on various shrubs, primarily Ceanothus, Rhamnus, and Arctostaphylos, before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its striking white and black speckled pattern, particularly the dense black mottling on the forewings. Its occurrence in western North America and association with Ceanothus and Rhamnus host plants are key identifiers.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with white wings heavily mottled and speckled with black, creating a salt-and-pepper appearance. Its body is also whitish with black markings, and it has slender antennae.
