Moths of North Carolina
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Caripeta Members:
18 NC Records

Caripeta angustiorata Walker, [1863] - Brown Pine Looper Moth

Caripeta angustiorata
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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Geometroidea Family: GeometridaeSubfamily: EnnominaeTribe: OurapteryginiP3 Number: 91a1344 MONA Number: 6867.00
Comments: A moderately sized New World genus with 15 species described from northern Mexico, Canada and the U.S. We have verified 3 species within the state; two more are reported from websites but we have not seen authenticated specimens.
Species Status: Forbes (1948) indicates that the species in this genus are very closely related and the bar coding data bear this out. Specimens from North Carolina have been barcoded and like those from elsewhere are extremely similar to those of C. divisata. Biologically, the two species seem quite distinct, however, and are on the wing together. C. angustiorata is very uncommon and C. divisata is very common in our mountain regions.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012)Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Forbes (1948)Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1948); Wagner et al. (2001); Wagner (2005); Maier et al. (2011)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: A medium-sized, yellow-brown Geometrid. This species is similar in pattern and color but is smaller than C. aretaria and has a pale, almost unmarked hindwing, whereas aretaria has a fuscous hindwing that usually has a well-marked postmedian (Forbes, 1948). Angustoriata is also similar in pattern to C. divisata, but is lighter in color and more reddish. The course of the antemedian line distinguishes it from the similar C. piniata, a more northern species. Sexes are similar.
Wingspan: 30 mm (Forbes, 1948)
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae are brown and corrugated (illustrated in Wagner et al., 2011). They are generally similar in color and pattern to other members of this genus, however, and must be reared to adulthood to confirm their identity.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Restricted to the Mountains but occurs at both high and low elevations and from the southern to northern borders of the state.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Flight Comments: Appears to have a single brood that peaks in late summer
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Our records come from both fairly mesic and fairly dry-to-xeric sites, most containing several different species of pines, including both White Pine and one or more of the yellow pines.
Larval Host Plants: Pines and spruces; less commonly balsam fir and eastern larch (Maier et al., 2011). Larvae have not been observed in North Carolina, and we are uncertain about which conifers are used here as host plants. - View
Observation Methods: Adults have been recorded in light traps, response to bait is unknown but unlikely.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: G5 [SU]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: This species appears to be much less common that our other species of Caripeta but too little is known about its exact host plants and habitat preferences here in this state to be certain about its conservation status.