After developing in a pupa prior to winter, these green beauties are now on the wing (from March to June). Not always green, they will turn dark yellow when exposed to moisture. There are also naturally occurring, albeit rare, chestnut brown moths in the population. Jokers are nocturnal and will come to lights. Caterpillars specialize on conifers (Pinaceae), feeding on spruces, hemlocks, and true firs.
Photos by: Kristi DuBois on 5/1/21 in Missoula, MT
![](https://www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/unnamed-2021-05-08T133142.093.jpg)