Little Emerald
Common NameLittle Emerald
Scientific NameChlorissa viridata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorspale green, white
HabitatHeathland, open woodland, moorland, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, birch, willow, bog-myrtle
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green or brown, resembling twigs, and feed on various shrubs and trees. They overwinter as pupae, typically emerging in late spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale green coloration (which can fade to whitish), and the two faint, wavy white cross-lines on the wings, often with a white fringe. It lacks the discal spot found in some similar emerald moths.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale green to whitish wings, featuring two faint, wavy white cross-lines and a distinctive white fringe along the wing margins.
