Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFGeometridae Members: Caripeta Members: 81 NC Records

Caripeta aretaria (Walker, 1860) - Southern Pine Looper Moth

Caripeta aretariaCaripeta aretaria
view caption 		Caripeta aretaria
Taxonomy
Superfamily:
Geometroidea		 Family:
Geometridae		Subfamily:
Ennominae		Tribe:
Ourapterygini		P3 Number:
91a1346		 MONA Number:
6869.00
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: Specimens from North Carolina have been barcoded and are identical to specimens from elsewhere as well as specimens of C. piniata from New Brunswick, Ontario and Massachusetts.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984)Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Forbes (1948)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: A medium-sized Geometrid with strongly marked yellow-brown and white forewings. Similar in size and pattern to other members of this genus but the hindwings are fuscous, with a distinct postmedian line, rather than pale whitish and unmarked, as in the angustiorata, with which it shares a reddish tint on the forewings (Forbes, 1948).
Wingspan: 40 mm (Forbes, 1948)
Adult Structural Features: The furcula (process of the juxta) is thicker and more robust than in the other two Caripeta species. Furthermore, the uncus is shorter and thicker as well. The female genitalia are characterized by the elongated signum.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The larvae appear to be undescribed but are probably similar to those of the other members of this genus.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Probably occurs over most of the Coastal Plain but is less common in the western part of the state.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Caripeta aretaria
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

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