The only Emerald moth found in mainland Britain with jagged dark green or black cross-lines, the others having white cross-lines.

The adults fly at night and are attracted to light. They are often disturbed from vegetation during the day. The caterpillars can be found from July to early the following June overwintering as tiny larvae.

Size and Family

  • Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
  • Medium Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 30-38mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Not Listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Petty Whin (Genista anglica).

Habitat

Heathland, moorland, open woodland and shingle beaches. Also on gravel pits and roadside embankments where Gorse and Broom are planted.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • Common. Well distributed in England, Wales, western Scotland, Ireland and on the Isle of Man. Limited records on the Channel Islands.
Grass Emerald - Ben Sale

Grass Emerald - Ben Sale

Grass Emerald

Ben Sale

Grass Emerald - Patrick Clement

Grass Emerald - Patrick Clement

Grass Emerald

Patrick Clement

Grass Emerald - Garry Barlow

Grass Emerald - Garry Barlow

Grass Emerald

Garry Barlow

Grass Emerald

Grass Emerald

Grass Emerald

Grass Emerald

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald

Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald

Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald - Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald

Koen Thonissen

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Grass Emerald (caterpillar) - Heath McDonald

Grass Emerald (caterpillar) - Heath McDonald

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Heath McDonald

Grass Emerald (caterpillar) - Heath McDonald

Grass Emerald (caterpillar) - Heath McDonald

Grass Emerald (caterpillar)

Heath McDonald