Red-Bordered Emeralds are a southern and eastern moth that accents its bright green wings with a deep red edging along the fringe.
Red-Bordered Emeralds are part of the Geometer moth family. This subspecies contains a handful of cheery green moths that have thin wisps of white lines crossing their wings. They like to rest with their wings flat (open), which makes observing them easier than other types of moths.
Caterpillars ate the leaves of oak and red maple trees as well as ferns. Look for Red-Bordered Emeralds at night in or around deciduous woods. They are active year round in the southernmost part of their range. Two broods can be produced in a year, so adults can be seen on-wing during spring and again in autumn.
Scientific Name: Nemoria lixaria
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 30mm (0.78in to 1.17in)
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Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.