Ennominae

The Ennominae are the largest subfamily within the moth family Geometridae. This group is highly diverse, both in appearance and ecology, and contains many of the most familiar geometrid moths. The species are quite variable, ranging from small to fairly large moths. Most have slender bodies with broad wings, which are extremely diverse; often brown, gray, yellow, or mottled with cryptic patterns that provide camouflage against bark, leaves, or lichens. Many species resemble dead leaves, bark, or twigs; some even have wing lobes or tails that enhance their disguise. The antennae is usually simple and threadlike in females, but males often have bipectinate (feathered) antennae for detecting pheromones. The caterpillars of many of the species are twig mimics, holding their bodies rigid and stick-like when at rest. They feed on a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Some species can be forest or orchard pests. Both adults and larvae exhibit strong cryptic coloration, some mimic lichens, sticks, or dead leaves.