Grass Emerald
Common NameGrass Emerald
Scientific NameChlorissa viridata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgreen, white
HabitatHeathland, moorland, open woodland, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, bell heather, birch, willow, bog-myrtle
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a larva, feeding on various heath plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among foliage or leaf litter, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its bright emerald green color and the distinct wavy white transverse lines across both sets of wings. Its antennae are simple and thread-like.
Description
A small, delicate moth with vibrant emerald green wings, featuring two wavy white transverse lines on the forewings and one on the hindwings.
