Blotched Emerald

The green colour often fades to creamy white with age. The fringes of the fore and hindwings are chequered edged with a black line extending across the hind wings along to part of the forewing.

The adults fly at night but are also sometimes disturbed from oak leaves during the day. The males are readily attracted to light but the females less so. The caterpillars can be found from late July to early the following June but are hard to spot as they camouflage themselves by attaching pieces of leaves to their body.

Size and Family

• Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 30-34mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not Listed
• Local (only found in some areas)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and probably Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)

Habitat

Established woodland and hedgerows with mature oaks in wooded areas

Distribution

• Countries – England and Wales
• Local to woodlands in south England, north to Yorkshire and in eastern Wales. Occasional records in west Wales and on Jersey.