Jersey Emerald
Common NameJersey Emerald
Scientific NameJodis putata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, including the British Isles and Channel Islands, parts of North Africa
Host Plantshawthorn, blackthorn, birch, willow
Flight PeriodMay to July, and August to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various woody shrubs. They pupate in a cocoon among the foliage, typically having two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy dark lines on a greyish-brown background, which help it camouflage against tree bark or stone. The overall shape and cryptic coloration are typical of geometrid moths.
Description
A small moth with mottled greyish-brown wings, characterized by several distinct, wavy dark brown or blackish transverse lines across both forewings and hindwings.
