Sussex Emerald

    Scientific name: Thalera fimbrialis

    Flies by night, being found in July and early August.

    Can be confused with the Common Emerald (Hemithea aestivaria), although the Sussex Emerald has more distinct red and white chequering along the wing fringe, the hindwing having a distinct concave scallop.

    Size

    • Small/Medium Sized 
    • Wing Span Range (male to female) - 35-39mm

    Conservation status

    • UK BAP: Priority Species
    • Fully protected in Great Britain
    • Red Data Book

    Caterpillar Description

    Overwinters as a small larva, becoming full-fed by early June.

    Particular Caterpillar Food Plants

    Wild Carrot (Daucus carota). Will occasionally also feed on Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobabaea) and Hoary Ragwort (S. erucifolius).

    Distribution

    • Countries – England
    • Dungeness, Kent, with a possible small population on the coast near Deal, Kent. An occasional immigrant elsewhere.
    • Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining

    Habitat

    Vegetated disturbed coastal shingle.