# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Found in open grassy areas, lawns, meadows, gardens, and agricultural fields where host plants are abundant. ![Chickweed Geometer Moth](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/526116970/medium.jpg) Photo: John Baur, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/526116970) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Geometridae - **Genus:** Haematopis ## 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 - **Diurnal Activity:** Unlike most moths that fly only at night, this species is highly active during the day, using bright sunlight to navigate and find mates. - **Looping Locomotion:** 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. - **Vibrant Warning Coloration:** The bright yellow and pink contrasting patterns on its wings may serve to startle or deter visual predators while resting on vegetation. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 1-2 cm - **Wingspan:** 2-3 cm - **Weight:** 0.0001-0.0003 kg - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 50-150 - **Incubation:** 4-8 days ## Diet & Feeding Larvae feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, while adults primarily drink nectar from various wildflowers. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars chew on leaves of low-growing plants, whereas adult moths drink liquid nectar using a proboscis. - **Primary Foods:** Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Wildflower Nectar, Smartweed (Persicaria spp.) - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Host plant:** [Common Chickweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-chickweed) (*Stellaria media*) — The caterpillars feed extensively on this plant as a primary host. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Adults and caterpillars are preyed upon by this common garden bird. - **Host plant:** [Red Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-clover) (*Trifolium pratense*) — Serves as an alternate host plant for larval development. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Chickweed Geometer Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Chickweed Geometer Moth? 1-2 cm ### What is Chickweed Geometer Moth's wingspan? 2-3 cm ### How much does Chickweed Geometer Moth weigh? 0.0001-0.0003 kg ### How fast can Chickweed Geometer Moth move? 8 km/h ### What does Chickweed Geometer Moth eat? Larvae feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, while adults primarily drink nectar from various wildflowers. ### Where is Chickweed Geometer Moth usually found? Found in open grassy areas, lawns, meadows, gardens, and agricultural fields where host plants are abundant. ### How does Chickweed Geometer Moth hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mitchell-park-horticultural-conservatory) — Wisconsin, US · Botanical Garden - [Morrill County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/morrill-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site - [Itha T. Krumme Memorial Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/itha-t-krumme-memorial-arboretum) — Nebraska, US · Botanical Garden - [Pawnee County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pawnee-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Chickweed Geometer Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/chickweed-geometer-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Chickweed Geometer Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chickweed-geometer-moth)