Synchlora cupedinaria

(Grote, 1880)

Brown-bordered Emerald

Synchlora cupedinaria is a small emerald in the , first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. The is restricted to the Caribbean region and extreme southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Two are recognized: the nominate form and S. c. guadelupensis described by Herbulot in 1988. have a wingspan of approximately 14–17 mm. Like other members of the Synchlora, the are known for their remarkable , adorning their bodies with fragments of material.

Synchlora cupedinaria by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Synchlora (cupedinaria^) - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Synchlora cupedinaria: /ˈsɪŋkloʊrə ˌkjuːpəˈdɪnəriə/

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Identification

Synchlora cupedinaria can be distinguished from other Synchlora by its restricted Caribbean-southeastern U.S. distribution and specific pattern characteristics. The species is smaller than many with a wingspan of only 14–17 mm. The nominate S. c. cupedinaria occurs in Florida, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and possibly St. Kitts and Puerto Rico, while S. c. guadelupensis is restricted to Guadeloupe and Martinique. Separation from the widespread S. aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald) in areas of potential overlap requires examination of or molecular markers; S. cupedinaria lacks the more extensive wavy transverse typical of S. aerata.

Images

Habitat

Coastal and insular in the Caribbean region and extreme southeastern Florida. Specific habitat associations are poorly documented, but related Synchlora occupy open, sunny areas with abundant .

Distribution

Florida (USA), Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique; possibly St. Kitts and Puerto Rico. The has a restricted Caribbean-southeastern U.S. distribution pattern.

Life Cycle

The presumably follows the typical geometrid with through , , , and stages. Larval biology is inferred from related species: are likely active during warmer months and use characteristic of the . Specific plants and are undocumented.

Behavior

of Synchlora , including presumably S. cupedinaria, exhibit a distinctive where they attach fragments of leaves, petals, or other vegetation to their bodies using . This behavior creates effective visual deception against . The move with a characteristic looping or "measuring" gait typical of geometrid larvae, advancing by arching the body and bringing the hind forward to meet the thoracic legs.

Similar Taxa

Synchlora aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald)Widespread eastern North with similar larval ; larger size and more extensive markings distinguish it from S. cupedinaria
Synchlora frondariaAnother southeastern U.S. emerald ; requires examination for reliable separation