National Moth Week comes to a close
Synchlora larvae shows off its attire of Dune Sunflower petals, as well as its handiwork on the flower. With a Pityopsis graminifolia blossom and an index fingertip for size comparison, this captures just how small these Synchlora caterpillars are, even adorned in flower petals. Caterpillar photos by Laura Bennett-Kimble Today is the final day of the 10th annual National Moth Week, and to cap off the week, we’re going to look at the Synchlora genus, a group of moths that include tiny inchworm-type caterpillars and beautiful emerald moths A very interesting trait of the 12 North American species in this genus is that of disguising themselves when vulnerable larvae. The Camouflage Looper, or Wavy-lined Emerald Moth, ( Synchlora aerata ) and Southern Emerald Moth ( Synchlora frondaria ) are two species that cover themselves in flower petals and other plant material. The larvae seem to prefer composite flowers, such as those found on Pityopsis graminifolia , Helianthus debilis and Biden