Larentiinae

Larentiinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Geometridae, part of the order Lepidoptera. It is one of the largest and most diverse subfamilies within geometer moths, with species distributed worldwide but especially common in temperate regions and mountainous areas. Historically, Larentiinae was treated by some classifications as a separate family (Larentiidae), a placement that modern classifications have largely superseded by recognizing it as a subfamily.

Adult larentiines typically have slender bodies and wings with finely scaled patterns. Many species show mottled brown, gray, or green coloration with crosslines and stippling that provide camouflage on bark and leaves. When at rest, the wings are usually held flat.

Larentiinae includes many genera, among them Eupithecia, a large and ecologically diverse group commonly known as pug moths. The larvae are generally inchworms, looping as they move. Host plant relationships are diverse, ranging from herbaceous plants to woody species, with some species exhibiting strong host specialization.

Ecology and distribution: Larentiinae species occur in a wide range of habitats, including forests, alpine zones, tundra, and heathlands. They are primarily nocturnal, and adults are attracted to light. Taxonomically, the subfamily is divided into multiple tribes and genera, with ongoing revisions based on morphological and molecular data.