Jersey Emerald

The wing markings are similar to Grass Emerald but the wings are predominantly grey in colour with only a tinge of green.

The life cycle is not fully known on the Channel Islands but on mainland Europe, the large caterpillars can be found from April to May.

Size and Family

• Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 32-40mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not Listed
• Restricted to the Channel Islands

Caterpillar Food Plants

Prostrate Broom (Cytisus scoparius maritimus) on Alderney. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and Broom (Cytisus scoparius) in mainland Europe.

Habitat

Open areas with Gorse and Broom

Distribution

• Countries – Channel Islands
• Resident only on the Channel Islands on Jersey and Alderney. Also found in south and south-west Europe.