Illustrious Emerald
Common NameIllustrious Emerald
Scientific NameDichorda illustraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgreen, white, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsSumac (Rhus spp.), Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Flight PeriodMay to September (two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green and twig-like, camouflaged on their host plants. They pupate in a loose cocoon among leaves or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its vibrant green coloration, the two distinct white transverse lines across the wings, and the reddish-brown marginal line.
Description
A medium-sized moth with bright green wings, featuring two prominent white lines crossing both forewings and hindwings, and a reddish-brown outer margin.
