Active-camouflage
Guides
Synchlora aerata
Wavy-lined Emerald, Camouflaged Looper
Synchlora aerata is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, known for its remarkable larval behavior of camouflaging itself with plant material. The caterpillar, called the camouflaged looper, attaches bits of flowers, leaves, or other plant tissue to spines on its back, rendering it nearly invisible among the vegetation it consumes. The adult moth exhibits characteristic wavy white lines across its emerald green wings. The species is widespread across North America and has been documented feeding on numerous composite flowers and other plants.