depreda

Depreda is a genus of moths belonging to the family Geometridae. These moths are characterized by their slender bodies and wingspans that typically range from moderate to large for their family. The patterns on their wings are often cryptic, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings, which aids in evading predators. Their coloration can vary widely, including shades of brown, gray, and sometimes white or black, often with intricate markings like lines, spots, or bands.

The larvae of Depreda moths, like other geometrids, exhibit a distinctive "inchworm" or "looper" locomotion due to the reduction in the number of prolegs. These larvae feed on the foliage of various plants, and their specific host plants can differ depending on the species within the genus. The adult moths are generally nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night or at dawn and dusk.

Depreda moths are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and meadows, across different geographical regions. Their life cycle involves complete metamorphosis, with eggs hatching into larvae, which then pupate before emerging as adult moths. The exact distribution and ecological role of individual Depreda species are subjects of ongoing entomological study.