Emerald-moth
Guides
Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
Blackberry Looper, Blackberry Looper Moth, Raspberry Looper
A small emerald geometrid moth widespread across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations. Larvae feed on blackberry and raspberry fruits as well as flower heads of numerous Asteraceae species. The species has been documented on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and recently recorded on Eriogonum alatum (Polygonaceae), representing a host range extension beyond its previously known associations.
Chlorochlamys triangularis
triangular emerald moth
Chlorochlamys triangularis is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Prout in 1912. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate green moths commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic coloration. The species is known from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 7072 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
Chloropteryx nordicaria
Chloropteryx nordicaria is an emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Schaus in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic green coloration. The species is distributed across Central and North America. It is cataloged under Hodges number 7076 in the North American moth numbering system.
Chloropteryx paularia
Fulsome Emerald
Chloropteryx paularia, commonly known as the Fulsome Emerald, is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. First described by Möschler in 1886, this species is restricted to Florida and the Greater Antilles. The larvae are known to feed on wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).
Chloropteryx tepperaria
Angle-winged Emerald, angle-winged emerald moth
Chloropteryx tepperaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, native to the southeastern United States. The species is distinguished by its green coloration and the angular, pointed outer margin of the hindwings. Adults are active across an extended season, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
Chlorosea margaretaria
Chlorosea margaretaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Sperry in 1944. It belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, which includes many green-colored moths commonly known as emeralds. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published sources.
Chlorosea nevadaria
Nevada Emerald
Chlorosea nevadaria is a North American emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Packard in 1873. Adults are associated with Arctostaphylos patula (greenleaf manzanita). The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7012.
Dichorda illustraria
emerald moth
Dichorda illustraria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It was first described by Hulst in 1886 under the basionym Geometra illustraria. As a member of the Geometrinae subfamily, it exhibits the characteristic green coloration typical of emerald moths.
Dichorda rectaria
emerald moth
Dichorda rectaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic green coloration. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate D. r. rectaria and D. r. cockerelli described by Sperry in 1939.
Hethemia pistasciaria
Hethemia pistasciaria is a species of geometrid moth described by Guenée in 1857. Originally placed in the genus Nemoria, it was later transferred to Hethemia. The species is known from scattered records in North America, including Manitoba, Canada and Vermont, United States. As a member of the emerald moth group within Geometridae, it likely exhibits the green coloration characteristic of related species.
Mesothea
Mesothea is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Warren in 1901. Its sole species, Mesothea incertata (day emerald or plain emerald), was described by Walker in 1863. The genus belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as the emerald moths. It is endemic to North America.
Nemoria
Emerald moths
Nemoria is a genus of emerald moths (Geometridae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus comprises approximately 35 described species 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 host.
Nemoria arizonaria
emerald moth
Nemoria arizonaria is a North American emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity in its larvae, which develop distinct camouflage morphs depending on diet: catkin-feeding larvae resemble oak catkins, while leaf-feeding larvae mimic twigs. Adults display seasonal dimorphism, with summer and winter/spring forms differing in wing markings; the summer form was formerly described as a separate species, Nemoria aemularia. The moth is restricted to canyon habitats in the southwestern United States at elevations of 4,000–8,000 feet.
Nemoria bifilata
White-barred Emerald, white-barred emerald moth
Nemoria bifilata, commonly known as the white-barred emerald moth, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1863 and is native to North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7045. Two subspecies are recognized: N. b. bifilata and N. b. planuscula.
Nemoria bifilata planuscula
Texas White-barred Emerald
Nemoria bifilata planuscula is a subspecies of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Ferguson in 1969. It is known from Texas and represents one of several geographically defined populations within the Nemoria bifilata species complex. The subspecific epithet distinguishes it from other N. bifilata populations based on subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the emerald moth group characterized by green coloration.
Nemoria bistriaria
Red-fringed Emerald, Two-striped Emerald
A small emerald moth with distinctive red or pinkish marginal banding on the wings. Adults are active across much of North America from spring through fall, with multiple generations annually. Two subspecies are recognized, differing in distribution across eastern North America.
Nemoria catachloa
Florida Emerald
Nemoria catachloa, known as the Florida Emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It was originally described as Aplodes catachloa by Hulst in 1898. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7031.
Nemoria darwiniata
Columbian Emerald
Nemoria darwiniata, known as the Columbian Emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. First described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904, it is distributed across North America. The species belongs to a genus of small, often brightly green-colored moths commonly called emerald moths.
Nemoria diamesa
Nemoria diamesa is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1969. It belongs to the subfamily Geometrinae, a group commonly known as emerald moths due to their characteristic green coloration. The genus Nemoria is diverse in North America, with species typically associated with woody vegetation. Specific ecological details for N. diamesa remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nemoria elfa
Cypress Emerald, cypress emerald moth
Nemoria elfa, known as the cypress emerald moth, is a North American species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Ferguson in 1969. The species belongs to the genus Nemoria, a group of small green moths commonly called emeralds. It is assigned Hodges number 7029 in the North American moth numbering system.
Nemoria extremaria
Extreme Emerald
Nemoria extremaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Extreme Emerald. It is native to North America. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1861 under the basionym Racheospila extremaria.
Nemoria intensaria
Nemoria intensaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Pearsall in 1911 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7043. As a member of the emerald moth group, it belongs to a genus characterized by green coloration.
Nemoria latirosaria
Nemoria latirosaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Pearsall in 1906. It belongs to a genus characterized by bright green coloration. The species is found in North America and is assigned Hodges number 7019.
Nemoria leptalea
Pink-margined Green
Nemoria leptalea is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Pink-margined Green. It was described by Ferguson in 1969. The species is recognized by its distinctive green coloration with pink marginal markings on the wings. It is recorded from both Central America and North America.
Nemoria lixaria
Red-bordered Emerald
Nemoria lixaria, commonly known as the red-bordered emerald, is a small moth in the family Geometridae. It is recognized by its bright green coloration and distinctive red marginal banding on the wings. The species is widespread across North America and is frequently encountered by observers.
Nemoria mimosaria
White-fringed Emerald, Flanged Looper
Nemoria mimosaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, known by the common names white-fringed emerald and flanged looper. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It occurs across much of eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on a diverse range of woody plants including both deciduous and coniferous trees. Adults are active in early summer and are recognized by their distinctive green coloration with white fringes on the wings.
Nemoria obliqua
emerald moth
Nemoria obliqua is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Hulst in 1898. It is native to Central America and North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7037. Two subspecies are recognized: N. o. hennei and the nominate N. o. obliqua.
Nemoria rindgei
Nemoria rindgei is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1969. It belongs to the genus Nemoria, a group of small green moths commonly known as emerald moths due to their distinctive coloration. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned Hodges number 7050 in the North American moth numbering system. Available records for this species remain limited.
Nemoria saturiba
Red-patched Emerald
Nemoria saturiba is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Ferguson in 1969. It is distributed across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. The larvae are specialized feeders on sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).
Nemoria strigataria
Nemoria strigataria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus known for bright green coloration in adults. The species was described by Grossbeck in 1910. Very little specific information has been documented about its biology and ecology.
Nemoria tuscarora
Tuscarora Emerald
Nemoria tuscarora is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Ferguson in 1969. As a member of the genus Nemoria, it exhibits the characteristic bright green coloration typical of this group. The species is found in North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Nemoria unitaria
Single-lined Emerald
Nemoria unitaria, commonly known as the Single-lined Emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Packard in 1873.
Nemoria zelotes
emerald moth
Nemoria zelotes is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Ferguson in 1969. It belongs to a genus of small, often brightly colored moths commonly known as emerald moths due to their green coloration. The species is found in North America and is assigned Hodges number 7036 in the North American moth numbering system.
Nemoria zygotaria
Texas Emerald
Nemoria zygotaria, commonly known as the Texas Emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by George D. Hulst in 1886 under the basionym Aplodes zygotaria. It is assigned Hodges number 7040 in the North American moth numbering system. The species occurs in North America.
Synchlora
Emerald moths, Wavy-lined emeralds
Synchlora is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, characterized by adults with leaf-green wings and larvae that exhibit remarkable camouflage behavior. Larvae actively adorn their bodies with pieces of host plants, creating a 'double cloak of invisibility' that makes them nearly indistinguishable from their surroundings. The genus name derives from Greek 'syn-' (with) and 'chlor' (green), referencing the green coloration of adults. Twelve species occur in North America, with S. aerata being the most widespread in the eastern United States.
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.
Synchlora aerata-frondaria
Wavy-lined Emerald, Camouflaged looper
Synchlora aerata-frondaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The caterpillars are remarkable for their unique camouflage behavior: they adorn their bodies with pieces of the plants upon which they feed, including flower petals, spent anthers, and other plant fragments. This behavior makes them extremely difficult to detect when resting on vegetation. The adult moth is known as the wavy-lined emerald, characterized by its green coloration. The species is widespread in the eastern United States, with particularly notable populations in the southeastern region.
Synchlora bistriaria
oblique-striped emerald
Synchlora bistriaria, commonly known as the oblique-striped emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Synchlora found in North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive green coloration as an adult and the remarkable camouflage behavior of its larval stage, where caterpillars adorn their bodies with plant material from their host plants.
Synchlora cupedinaria
Brown-bordered Emerald
Synchlora cupedinaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. The species 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 subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and S. c. guadelupensis described by Herbulot in 1988. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 14–17 mm. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, the larvae are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with fragments of host plant material.
Synchlora frondaria
southern emerald, wavy-lined emerald
Synchlora frondaria, commonly known as the southern emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The species is notable for its remarkable larval camouflage behavior, in which caterpillars decorate their bodies with plant material from their host plants. This self-decoration, combined with phenotypic plasticity in coloration, creates a 'double cloak of invisibility' that allows larvae to blend effectively into diverse backgrounds. The species occurs across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Synchlora graefiaria
Synchlora graefiaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Hulst in 1886. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, its caterpillars are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with bits of plant material from their host plants to blend into their surroundings. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and biology remain limited in available literature.
Synchlora herbaria
White-dotted Emerald
Synchlora herbaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. The species is notable for its Caribbean distribution, with records from Florida and multiple Caribbean islands. Larvae have been documented feeding on Lantana camara, and like other Synchlora species, they camouflage themselves by attaching plant material to their bodies.
Synchlora irregularia
emerald moth
Synchlora irregularia is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. It belongs to a genus known for remarkable caterpillars that camouflage themselves by adorning their bodies with bits of plants upon which they feed. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available sources.
Synchlora noel
Synchlora noel is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Synchlora found in North America. Like other members of the genus, its caterpillars are known for adorning their bodies with plant material from their host plants as camouflage. The species was described by Sperry in 1949.
Synchlora pectinaria
Synchlora pectinaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Grossbeck in 1910. Like other members of the genus Synchlora, its caterpillars are known for adorning their bodies with bits of plant material—flower petals, leaves, and other vegetation—to achieve remarkable camouflage. This behavior, shared with the more widespread S. aerata, makes the larvae exceptionally difficult to detect among the flowers and foliage they consume. The species is part of the emerald moth group (subfamily Geometrinae), characterized by their typically green adult coloration.
Synchlora xysteraria
Singed Emerald
Synchlora xysteraria is a small geometrid moth in the emerald moth genus Synchlora. First described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886, this species has a restricted distribution limited to the southeastern United States (Georgia and Florida) and the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Hispaniola. Like other members of its genus, larvae are known for their remarkable camouflage behavior, adorning their bodies with plant material from their host plants. The species is one of approximately 12 Synchlora species found in North America.
Xerochlora martinaria
Xerochlora martinaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, described by Sperry in 1948. It is one of relatively few described species in the genus Xerochlora. The species is known from limited records in North America.
Xerochlora masonaria
Xerochlora masonaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The species was described by Schaus in 1897 and occurs in North and Middle America. As a member of the emerald moth group, it likely exhibits the characteristic green coloration typical of this lineage, though specific documentation of its appearance remains limited. The genus Xerochlora contains relatively few described species, and X. masonaria represents one of the less commonly encountered members of this group based on available observation records.