Chloropteryx tepperaria
(Hulst, 1886)
Angle-winged Emerald, angle-winged emerald moth
Chloropteryx tepperaria is a small emerald moth in the Geometridae, native to the southeastern United States. The is distinguished by its green coloration and the angular, pointed outer margin of the hindwings. are active across an extended season, with periods varying by latitude. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chloropteryx tepperaria: /klɔːrˈɒptɪrɪks ˌtɛpəˈrɑːrɪə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are recognized by bright green wings and body with a white area between the . The hindwings have a distinctly pointed outer margin, unlike the more rounded hindwings of related emerald moths. Both forewings and hindwings display antemedial and postmedial lines composed of disconnected white spots, plus tan and brown checkered terminal and costal lines.
Images
Distribution
Southeastern United States, from Texas and Oklahoma westward to Florida and Pennsylvania eastward.
Seasonality
have been reported from March to October north of Florida; active year-round in Florida.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chloropteryx speciesSimilar green coloration, but distinguished by the angular hindwing margin and specific wing pattern elements
- Other Geometrinae emerald mothsShare green coloration but typically have rounded hindwing margins; C. tepperaria's pointed hindwings and checkered terminal lines are diagnostic