Common Emerald
Common NameCommon Emerald
Scientific NameHemithea aestivaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgreen, white
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantshawthorn, blackthorn, oak, birch, willow, hazel
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are twig-like, green or brown, and feed on host plant leaves, overwintering as small caterpillars. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the ground or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its bright green color, two wavy white lines on each wing, and a prominent white fringe along the wing margins. It has simple, filiform antennae.
Description
A delicate, medium-sized moth with bright emerald green wings that often fade with age. Each wing features two faint, wavy white cross-lines and a distinctive white fringe.
