Chickweed Geometer Moth

haematopis grataria

The Chickweed Geometer Moth (Haematopis grataria) is a colorful, day-flying geometer moth native to North America. Known for its strikingly vibrant coloration, this small insect breaks the stereotype of dull, nocturnal moths by actively foraging under the warm sun. It can easily be spotted fluttering low over fields, lawns, and roadsides, where it adds a bright splash of color to the grassy landscape. This species plays a valuable role as a local pollinator and a food source for various insectivores. Its caterpillars, often referred to as inchworms due to their looping style of movement, feed on common herbaceous plants, making this moth a frequent visitor to suburban gardens and wild meadows alike. For quick identification of Chickweed Geometer Moth during outdoor trips, download the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in open grassy areas, lawns, meadows, gardens, and agricultural fields where host plants are abundant.

Appearance

The adult moth has a wingspan of approximately 2 to 2.5 centimeters. Its wings are bright yellow to pale orange, dramatically edged with a deep pink or reddish-pink border and adorned with a matching pink diagonal line running across both the forewings and hindwings. A small pink spot is also visible near the center of each wing. The body is slender and yellow, matching the background of the wings, making this elegant color combination highly distinct in its grassy habitats.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusHaematopis

Chickweed Geometer Moth

Interesting facts

Despite being a moth, it is frequently mistaken for a butterfly due to its bright coloration and tendency to fly in broad daylight.

Its caterpillars are true inchworms belonging to the family Geometridae, which literally translates to earth-measurers.

The genus name Haematopis is derived from Greek words meaning blood-looking, referring to the distinct pinkish-red margins on its wings.

Special abilities

Unlike most moths that fly only at night, this species is highly active during the day, using bright sunlight to navigate and find mates.

As caterpillars, they move by drawing the rear of their body up to their front legs, forming a loop, which allows them to efficiently navigate thin stems.

The bright yellow and pink contrasting patterns on its wings may serve to startle or deter visual predators while resting on vegetation.