Ourapteryx

Ourapteryx is a genus of moths in the Geometridae family. The moths in the Ourapteryx genus are medium to large-sized geometrids, that are well known for their striking triangular forewings and long-tailed hindwings, which give them a very distinctive outline compared to most other geometer moths. The hindwing tails are especially elongated and often tipped with color, resembling swallowtail butterflies in shape. At rest their posture is usually with wings held flat, making the long hindwing tails very conspicuous. The genus is largely Asian, with species distributed from the Indian subcontinent through China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and into the Malay Archipelago. In Europe Ourapteryx sambucaria (known as the Swallow-tailed Moth) with it's creamy-white wings with yellowish cross-lines and very long hindwing tails is the most familiar species.