Asteroid Emerald
Common NameAsteroid Emerald
Scientific NameSynchlora astraeoides
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsgreen, reddish-brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, and areas with herbaceous host plants.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas.
Host PlantsAsteraceae (asters, goldenrods), various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that camouflage themselves by attaching bits of plant material to their bodies. They feed on host plants before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright green color, the distinct reddish-brown band across the body and wing bases, and the scalloped wing margins with reddish-brown edging and white fringe. Differentiating from similar Synchlora species often involves subtle differences in the reddish markings.
Description
A small, vibrant green moth characterized by its scalloped wings, which are edged with a thin reddish-brown line and a white fringe, and a prominent reddish-brown band across its thorax and the base of its forewings.
