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What is this moth? #875683

Asked July 02, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT

I noticed a small moth this morning at the front of my home. To me, it looks like a grass emerald. But I thought this was an introduced species only present in Pacific Northwest? Help identifying would be appreciated.

Frederick County Maryland

Expert Response

Maryland does have species of native Emerald moths as well, though they can look so much alike that they're hard to tell apart. This might be a Red-Bordered Emerald or Red-Fringed Emerald; our best guess based on the details visible in the photo is the Red-Bordered. Similar-looking relatives Nemoria saturiba and Nemoria tuscarora, neither of which has a common name, also occur in Maryland. Wavy-lined Emerald Moth and Southern Emerald Moth are similar in size and patterning, though are missing the reddish wing border that your specimen has.

Miri

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