Drepanulatrix carnearia

Family: Geometridae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Drepanulatrix carnearia is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, tribe Caberini. This species belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as carpet moths or wave moths, characterized by their delicate wing patterns and slender build typical of the Geometridae family. Like other geometrids, adults likely have a wingspan ranging from 20 to 35 millimeters, though specific measurements for this species have not been well documented. Drepanulatrix carnearia occurs in western North America, with confirmed records from multiple states including Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. In Oregon, the species has been documented in Jackson County at Johnson Creek mouth in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2006). Idaho records include Boise County at Deadwood Campground and Bonneville County at Palisades Reservoir (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2019). Washington state records include Washington County at East Brownlee Creek (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2011). These observations suggest the species has a montane distribution across the Pacific Northwest region. The species appears to inhabit forested environments, particularly areas near water sources such as creeks and reservoirs. Collection sites range from campgrounds to national monument lands, suggesting tolerance for both natural and lightly developed forest habitats. The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument location indicates association with mixed coniferous forests typical of the Cascade Range. Elevation preferences have not been specifically documented, though the montane nature of collection localities suggests occurrence at moderate to higher elevations. Flight period records indicate adult activity during summer months, with observations documented from late June through July. The 2006 Oregon record was collected on July 5, while Idaho specimens were taken on July 5 and July 10 in 2018 (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2019). Washington collections occurred on June 28 (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2011). This suggests a relatively brief adult flight period typical of many univoltine geometrid species. Larval host plants and specific ecological relationships have not been documented for this species. No conservation status has been assigned to Drepanulatrix carnearia at federal or state levels. The species does not appear on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species list or California state tracking lists. Limited collection records suggest either genuine rarity or insufficient survey effort in suitable habitats. The scattered nature of documented occurrences across multiple states indicates the species may have a broader but patchy distribution than current records suggest. Scientific documentation for this species remains limited. The information presented here is based on available lepidopterological survey reports and taxonomic databases. Additional research is needed to determine population status, specific habitat requirements, and larval ecology. Field biologists working in forested areas of the Pacific Northwest should watch for this species during summer months and contribute observations to improve understanding of its distribution and biology.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.