Pistachio Emerald
Common NamePistachio Emerald
Scientific NameSynchlora aerata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgreen, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Colorado
Host Plantsaster, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, raspberry, apple
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers' that often attach bits of plant material to their bodies for camouflage. They feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants.
Identification TipsLook for the bright green coloration, the reddish-brown fringe, and the faint, often broken, white lines across the wings. The body is also green and somewhat fuzzy.
Description
A small, delicate moth characterized by its vibrant pistachio-green wings, often with faint white wavy lines, and a distinctive reddish-brown fringe along the wing margins.
