The Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata) is a small, beautiful, medium mint, green-colored moth. It is a subfamily within the geometrid family with dozens of species in North America.
Emerald's typically rest with their wings spread out to the sides. Key identifying features for this species of emeralds are the mildly wavy white lines that run across the wings; pale green fringe on the wings; and a long, thin, white stripe running the whole length of the abdomen.
The caterpillar of this species is a looper (or inchworm) that decorates itself with pieces of plants, especially small clippings from flower petals. The fresh petal fragments start off looking colorful but then dry out to look like crumbs. In this way, the caterpillar either blends in with the colorful flower, or else looks like a mere chunk of debris. Either way, it is camouflaged from predators.
Video posted on the "Chromatophone Nature" YouTube Channel [2], August 2, 2017, in Maynard, MA
This moth causes no damage to plants and just like most butterflies and colorful moths, are a beautiful addition to the garden. Do not use pesticides like Sevin, as all butterflies and pollinators are sensitive to it (Sevin in non-selective to what it kills).
Written by Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist and Laramie County Advanced Master Gardener
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Additional Resources:
[1] More photos from Dave Wendelken are available at his flickr page, https://www.flickr.com/photos/wendeldh/
[2] The Chromatophone Nature YouTube Channel is available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatophoneNature
The University of Wyoming has several resources related to insects of interest for Laramie County, Wyoming. Recommend visiting the Barnyards & Backyards Insect Section for additional information. If you have an insect identification question, please contact the University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Office at (307) 633-4383. https://www.uwyo.edu/entomology/insect-identification/index.html