Nemoria
Hübner, 1818
Emerald moths
Species Guides
30- Nemoria albaria
- Nemoria albilineata
- Nemoria arizonaria(emerald moth)
- Nemoria bifilata(White-barred Emerald)
- Nemoria bistriaria(Red-fringed Emerald)
- Nemoria caerulescens
- Nemoria catachloa(Florida Emerald)
- Nemoria daedalea
- Nemoria darwiniata(Columbian Emerald)
Nemoria is a of emerald moths (Geometridae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus comprises approximately 35 described distributed primarily in North America. Members are characterized by green coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. At least one species, Nemoria rubrifrontaria, has documented associations with sweet fern (Myrica aspleniifolia) as a larval .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemoria: //nɛˈmɔːriə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Geometridae by the combination of: porrect palpi, forewing venation with 7-10 stalked and vein 11 anastomosing with 12 then 10, and rounded hindwing margin with stalked veins 3,4 and 6,7. -level identification often relies on fringe coloration and wing pattern elements (bars, lines, borders).
Images
Appearance
Medium-sized with bright green wings typical of emerald moths. Palpi porrect (extending forward). Forewings with 7, 8, 9, and 10 stalked; veins 6 and 11 often stalked with them. Vein 11 anastomoses (fuses) with vein 12, then with vein 10. Hindwings with rounded outer margin. Hindwing veins 3, 4 and 6, 7 stalked. present.
Habitat
Associated with woody and herbaceous vegetation; at least one (N. rubrifrontaria) documented on sweet fern (Myrica aspleniifolia) in Michigan. Specific preferences for most species are not well documented.
Distribution
Primarily North American; documented from United States including Vermont and Michigan. Full range encompasses multiple with potentially differing distributions.
Seasonality
active during warmer months; of N. rubrifrontaria detected in June in Michigan. Specific periods vary by and latitude.
Host Associations
- Myrica aspleniifolia (sweet fern) - larval Documented for N. rubrifrontaria in Michigan; may not apply to all in
Life Cycle
laid on foliage; larvae feed externally on leaves. For N. rubrifrontaria: eggs detected in June, larvae emerged and completed development in laboratory conditions. and details not specified in available sources. Number of per year unknown for most .
Ecological Role
Herbivores on woody and herbaceous plants; surveyed as potential pest of sweet fern for at least one . Role in as prey for likely but not documented.
Human Relevance
Minor potential economic concern as possible pest of sweet fern; otherwise no significant documented interactions. Some have descriptive used in regional natural history.
Similar Taxa
- Other Geometrinae genera (emerald moths)Share green coloration and general appearance; distinguished by wing venation characters and genitalia
- SynchloraAnother North American emerald ; Nemoria distinguished by specific forewing venation pattern with 11 anastomosis
More Details
Taxonomic history
established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. Contains approximately 35 described , many described by Ferguson in 1969.
Species diversity
Notable include N. bistriaria (red-fringed emerald), N. bifilata (white-barred emerald), N. rubrifrontaria (red-fronted emerald), N. darwiniata (Columbian emerald), N. elfa (cypress emerald), N. lixaria (red-bordered emerald), N. mimosaria (white-fringed emerald), and N. unitaria (single-lined emerald).