Wavy Lined Emerald

Not of concern.

Late June - mid July, with a second flight in late August in the prairie region.

Coastal BC east to Newfoundland, south to NC and CA (Ferguson 1985).

"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). "

Woodlands, meadows, prairie grassland and shrubland.

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.

Flowers, particularly of composites (Asteraceae), including Aster, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Solidago, Artemisia, Achillea, and Rubus (Ferguson 1985, Wagner et al. 2001).