Light Emerald

Individuals from the second generation are smaller and darker. The hooked forewing tip has a reddish tinge and a white line runs across the fore and hind wings.

The adults may often be disturbed from rest where they sit on the underside of tree and shrub leaves. The larvae can be seen from mid-August to the following May or June, spending the winter lying flat against the stems of the foodplant.

Size and Family

• Family – Thorns, beauties, umbers and allies (Geometridae)
• Medium sized
• Wingspan Range – 36-52mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

A range of broadleaved trees and shrubs including Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), elms, sallows, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica).

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland and most other places with trees and shrubs such as parks and gardens.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Well distributed and generally frequent across most of England, Wales, Ireland and lowland Scotland. Also frequent on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.