Grass Emerald
Common NameGrass Emerald
Scientific NameMicroloxia herbaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgreen, yellow
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, chalk downlands, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsyarrow, mugwort, ragwort, thyme, marjoram
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green or brownish, feeding on herbaceous plants and overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its vivid green coloration, the distinct wavy pale yellow lines on both forewings and hindwings, and its relatively small size compared to other green geometrids.
Description
A small moth with vibrant green wings, featuring two wavy pale yellow transverse lines on the forewings and one on the hindwings. The wing margins are fringed with pale yellow.
