The Gem has a male and female form and they can spot each other in a crowd, even when people struggle to connect them.
The Gem is a species of sexually dimorphic moth. This means the male and female have some feature that differs between them (beyond genitalia). In this case, it is coloration. Females are generally a dark maroonish-brown with a white discal spot on each wing; males are a lighter tawny brown with a dark discal spot on each wing. Both genders have a dark band or swath of color encompassing the spots, and a dark dash-like mark at the tips of the forewings.
The Gem is a strong flier and migrates long distances from the southern parts of its range to the northern parts in the summer. It cannot survive the harsh winters up north, but may be seen year round in its warmer territories. Caterpillars feed on low-growing plants like dock, ragwort, and mums. Two or more broods can be produced each year.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Geometridae
Genus:Orthonama
Species:obstipata
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Orthonama obstipata
Other Name(s): Gem Moth
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 15mm to 23mm (0.59in to 0.90in)
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: brown, white, black
