The Red-fringed Emerald has a wingspan of about 7/8 inch. In the summer form the wings are green with white am and pm lines, a red terminal line (sometimes lacking) and a checkered pink fringe. The am and pm lines vary from strong to faint. Black discal spots may or may not be present. The abdomen is green with several cream-colored spots rimmed in red. Also, the spots on the abdomen are more pink than white. The spring form is usually light brown with whitish am and pm lines. The larva can be colored tan, rust, brown to almost black. It has spines and “winglike” projections on the sides of the abdominal segments. The mature caterpillar grows to 7/8 inch.
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is unknown. The spring from shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early April. The summer form shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest nature Center in late June. Adults fly from April to August. They are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights.
The larvae eat the leaves of birch, oak, walnut and others. It overwinters as a pupa.
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