Tea-Tree Emerald
Common NameTea-Tree Emerald
Scientific NameChlorocoma dichloraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgreen, brown, reddish-orange
HabitatHeathlands, woodlands, coastal areas, gardens where host plants are present
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsLeptospermum, Melaleuca, Callistemon
Flight PeriodSeptember to May (spring through autumn)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically cryptic, feeding on the foliage of tea-tree and other Myrtaceae species before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled green, brown, and reddish-orange camouflage pattern on the wings. Often found near its host plants, such as tea-tree (Leptospermum) species, in southeastern Australia.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a highly cryptic pattern of mottled green, brown, and reddish-orange, resembling lichen or bark. Its wings feature intricate wavy lines and patches.
