Nemoria mimosaria
(Guenée, [1858])
White-fringed Emerald, Flanged Looper
Nemoria mimosaria is a small emerald in the , known by the -fringed emerald and flanged . The was first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It occurs across much of eastern and central North America, with feeding on a diverse range of including both deciduous and coniferous trees. are active in early summer and are recognized by their distinctive green coloration with white fringes on the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemoria mimosaria: /nɛˈmɔːriə maɪmoʊˈsɛəriə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Nemoria by the combination of fringes and bright green coloration. The small size (26 mm wingspan) and early summer period (mid to late June) help separate it from similar emerald . are identified by their looping movement and body projections, earning the name "flanged ."
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of approximately 26 mm. The and are bright emerald green with fringes along the outer margins, giving rise to the . The body is slender and green. are known as "flanged " due to their distinctive looping and possess projections or flanges.
Habitat
Associated with mixed woodlands and forest edges where plants occur. Found in supporting Betula papyrifera, Abies balsamifera, Salix, Alnus, and Myrica .
Distribution
North America: Nova Scotia to southeastern Alberta, south to Virginia, Illinois, and Texas. Recorded from Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and US states including Vermont.
Seasonality
are on from mid to late June. Larval stage occurs prior to adult , likely in spring and early summer.
Diet
feed on various deciduous shrubs and trees as well as conifer trees. Documented plants include Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Abies balsamifera (balsam fir), Salix (willows), Alnus (alders), and Myrica asplenifolia (sweetfern). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Betula papyrifera - larval paper birch
- Abies balsamifera - larval balsam fir
- Salix - larval willows
- Alnus - larval alders
- Myrica asplenifolia - larval sweetfern
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larvae are present in spring and early summer, feeding on foliage. Adults emerge in mid to late June. stage is not documented in available sources.
Behavior
exhibit characteristic looping typical of . No other specific behaviors are documented.
Ecological Role
Larval on ; contributes to in forest . Specific ecological functions beyond general are not documented.
Human Relevance
No significant documented economic or cultural importance. Occasionally encountered by observers and photographers due to its attractive green coloration. Not known to be a .
Similar Taxa
- Other Nemoria speciesSimilar green coloration, but distinguished by fringes and specific timing
- Other Geometrinae (emerald moths)Share green coloration but differ in pattern, fringe color, size, or geographic range
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The was originally described as Aplodes mimosaria by Guenée in 1858 (sometimes cited as 1857). The basionym reflects its previous placement in the Aplodes before transfer to Nemoria.