Loads of variation among all Pero Moths, as well as different looks for male and female, make it difficult to narrow down species.
The general look of a Pero moth is consistent at the genus level, but the details are where uncertainty comes to play when trying to decipher a species name. Mostly all Pero Moths have a two-toned look thanks to a strong color separation between the upper and lower parts of the wings. The upper two-thirds of the wings darken as the color moves downward, and the lower third is lighter for a sharp contrast. The actual colors of the wings can vary so widely that it pinning down a species can be difficult in many cases. Some are purple and brown. Others are dark brown and light brown. Still others are dark brown and ivory. Many have a crimp or slight overlap in the edges of the wings, which creates shadows on the moth. The bottom edge of the wings are ruffled, though some ruffles are more pointed in some individuals.
The larvae are twig mimics and have skinny, brown bodies. Pine, fir, spruce, tamarack, black cherry, rose, aster, and legumes are all host plants among the different types of Pero caterpillars, though none of them seem to be significant pests.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Geometridae
Genus:Pero
Species:spp.
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Pero spp.
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 34mm to 40mm (1.33in to 1.56in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: purple; brown; tan; black
