Common NameWavy-lined EmeraldSeasonalityLate June - mid July, with a second flight in late August in the prairie region.IdentificationAlthough similar in colouration and size to Nemoria emeralds, the scalloped or wavy white transverse lines are unique; it is also the only emerald with a white dorsal line along the green abdomen. Usually the commonest green geometrid in Alberta.
Ferguson (1985) assigns Alberta populations to subspecies liquoraria (Guenee).
Scientific NameSynchlora aerataCommon Name
Wavy-lined Emerald
Habitat
Woodlands, meadows, prairie grassland and shrubland.
Seasonality
Late June - mid July, with a second flight in late August in the prairie region.
Identification
Although similar in colouration and size to Nemoria emeralds, the scalloped or wavy white transverse lines are unique; it is also the only emerald with a white dorsal line along the green abdomen. Usually the commonest…
Although similar in colouration and size to Nemoria emeralds, the scalloped or wavy white transverse lines are unique; it is also the only emerald with a white dorsal line along the green abdomen. Usually the commonest green geometrid in Alberta.
Ferguson (1985) assigns Alberta populations to subspecies liquoraria (Guenee).
Life History
The larvae possess unique subdorsal triangular projections (lateral in Nemoria). Larvae exhibit the fascinating behavior of attaching bits of the plant tissue on which they are feeding along their backs, perhaps the…
The larvae possess unique subdorsal triangular projections (lateral in Nemoria). Larvae exhibit the fascinating behavior of attaching bits of the plant tissue on which they are feeding along their backs, perhaps the ultimate form of visual camouflage. Wagner et al. (2001) illustrate a larva with bits of flower petals attached, which are apparently renewed daily since plant bits are always fresh. Larvae can be found feeding on the flower heads of composites (Wagner et al. 2001). The partially grown larva overwinters (McGuffin 1988). Adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Flowers, particularly of composites (Asteraceae), including Aster, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Solidago, Artemisia, Achillea, and Rubus (Ferguson 1985, Wagner et al. 2001).
Range
Coastal BC east to Newfoundland, south to NC and CA (Ferguson 1985).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Synchlora aerata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Synchlora aerata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4310. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
References
AuthorWagner, D.L, D.L. Ferguson, T.L. McCabe and R.C. Reardon
TitleGeometroid Caterpillars of Northeastern and Appalachian Forests
Publication Date2001
Pages239
AuthorFerguson, D. C
TitleGeometroidea : Geometridae (part)
Publication Date1985
Pages131
AuthorMcGuffin, W. C.
TitleGuide to the Geometridae of Canada (Lepidoptera): III, IV, and V. Subfamilies Archiearinae, Oenochrominae, and Geometrinae. DUP
Publication Date1988
Series TitleMemoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume145
Pages56
Specimen Information
There are 74 specimens of this Species.
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74 results plotted on map in 40 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.