The larvae of this moth are loopers (inchworms) and camouflages itself with flower petals and other bits of plants. The adult moth is small with pale green wings. Wavy lines can be seen running along all four wings. There is a narrow white stripe running along the length of the abdomen.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Synchlora
Species: Synchlora aerata
Habitat
Grassland, Urban
Distribution
Southern Canada to Georgia and Texas.
Abundance
Common
Activity Time
Nocturnal
Diet
Larvae feed on composite flowers, shrubs, and trees including Aster, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Solidago, Artemisia, Achillea and Rubus
Behavior
The caterpillar adorns its body with plant fragments, usually flower petals, to camouflage it as it feeds. This provides cover from gleaning birds that rely on keen eyesight. The camouflage can also block smaller animals from sensing them.
Ecological Role
Moths are important pollinators and their larvae are food sources for birds and other animals