1-2-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Chemerina caliginearia)

Chemerina caliginearia is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is a winter-flying species found primarily across the western and central Mediterranean. Known for its distinct flight patterns, it is univoltine and relies heavily on specific shrubs for larval development.

Taxonomic Classification

Order: LepidopteraFamily: GeometridaeSubfamily: EnnominaeGenus: Chemerina (This is a monotypic genus, meaning C. caliginearia is the only species in the genus)

Distribution and Habitat

Range: It is found in Atlanto-Mediterranean regions. The moth is widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) and is also recorded in southern France and parts of Bulgaria and Croatia.Habitat: Typically found in xerothermophilous scrublands, including dry grasslands, maquis, and Mediterranean woodlands.

Physical Appearance

Wing Span: Strong sexual dimorphism is often present; wingspans range roughly between 27 mm and 40 mm depending on the sex.

Wings: The forewings are generally greyish to dark brown—often with a mottled, camouflage appearance mimicking bark.

25-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Chemerina caliginearia)

A lepidopteran of the family Geometridae and subfamily Ennominae ,  present in Spain. It measures between 27 and 37 mm in wingspan. Within Europe, it has a mainly Mediterranean distribution.

It is quite variable in terms of the nuances of its forewings depending on the specimen.

The upperside of the forewings is grayish with some pale spots. A prominent band, which may be more or less distinct, is very pale yellow or yellowish-brown and runs diagonally across each forewing from the middle of the inner margin to the apex. Occasionally, another parallel line appears further distally. This same color is present in the venation distal to this band, in the marginal area (very subtle). There are usually two small dark spots in the forewing cell.

The upperside of the hindwings is light gray. The underside is pale.

Usually  seen it in winter (January-March).

Helianthemum, Dorycnium, Cistus, Thymus and Genista have been described as host plants .