Little Emerald

The adults fly at dusk and are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from June to early October before overwintering as green pupae.

Size and Family

• Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
• Small Sized
• Wingspan Range – 22-26mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Downy birch (Betula pubescens), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). Also reported on oaks, Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), sallows and Broom (Cytisus scoparius).

Habitat

Open woodland, mature hedgerows, scrubby heathland, moorland and grassland

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales and Ireland
• Common. Well distributed throughout England, Wales and Ireland becoming more scarce north of the Humber.