Thallophaga taylorata

Taylor’s Thallophaga

Family: Geometridae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Thallophaga taylorata is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, tribe Lithinini. This species belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer moths or inchworm moths. The moth exhibits the typical slender build characteristic of its family, though specific measurements and detailed morphological descriptions have not been well documented in the scientific literature. Thallophaga taylorata has a disjunct distribution across western North America. The species occurs in California, where it has been documented in Fresno County at locations including Mineral Springs Road near Coalinga and the Panoche Hills (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2005). The moth also extends northward into the Pacific Northwest, with records from Washington state including San Juan County, specifically West Beach on Orcas Island, representing a state record for Washington (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2019). This distribution pattern suggests the species may have relictual populations in scattered suitable habitats. The habitat requirements of T. taylorata appear to be associated with specific elevational and vegetational zones, though detailed ecological studies are lacking. California records come from interior foothill and mountain areas, including the Coast Range foothills. The Fresno County locations suggest the species occurs in oak woodland and chaparral transitions. Washington records from the San Juan Islands indicate the moth can also inhabit maritime environments with mixed coniferous and deciduous vegetation. The flight period for Thallophaga taylorata spans from spring through early summer. California records indicate activity from March through June, with specimens collected in March, April, and May. Washington observations extend the known flight period, with an April record from Orcas Island (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 2019). Like other Geometridae, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights. Larval host plants and detailed life history information have not been documented, representing significant knowledge gaps for this species. Thallophaga taylorata does not appear on federal or state endangered species lists, and its conservation status has not been formally assessed. The scattered distribution records and apparent rarity in collections suggest populations may be naturally uncommon or the species may be overlooked due to identification challenges. The substantial geographic separation between California and Washington populations raises questions about population connectivity and genetic structure. Climate change and habitat modification in both California's interior mountains and Pacific Northwest islands could potentially impact this species, though specific threats have not been evaluated. Detailed ecological studies of this species are lacking. The above information synthesizes available observations from lepidopterological literature and regional surveys. Additional research is needed to clarify the species' host plant relationships, habitat requirements, and population status across its range.

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