Northern Emerald
Common NameNorthern Emerald
Scientific NameHemithea aestivaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyGeometrinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgreen, reddish-purple
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, hawthorn, hazel, sallow, blackthorn
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green with white lines, camouflaged on their host plants, and typically overwinter before pupating in a cocoon on the ground or among leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the vibrant green wings, the two reddish-purple wavy cross-lines (often broken into spots), and the reddish-purple border or fringe on all wings.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with bright green wings, often fading with age, marked with two distinct reddish-purple cross-lines and a reddish-purple fringe.
