The wings are a dull green colour with a gold leading forewing edge and two fairly straight, white cross-lines. Similar to Little Emerald but a stronger green in colour.
The adults fly at night from dusk and are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from July to August before overwintering as pupae suspended by threads from the foodplant or in leaf litter.
Size and Family
- Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
- Small Sized
- Wingspan Range – 22-26mm
Conservation Status
- UK BAP: Not Listed
- Scarce (Nationally Scarce A)
Caterpillar Food Plants
Woody plants including Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), birches, Creeping Willow (Salix repens) and Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Habitat
Damp heaths and mosses
Distribution
- Countries – England
- Nationally Scarce A. Found locally in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, south-east Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex along with one site in Cumbria. Previously recorded in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
Small Grass Emerald - Garry Barlow
Small Grass Emerald
Garry Barlow
Small Grass Emerald - Patrick Clement
Small Grass Emerald
Patrick Clement
Small Grass Emerald - Tamás Nestor
Small Grass Emerald
Tamás Nestor
Small Grass Emerald (caterpillar)
Small Grass Emerald (caterpillar)
Small Grass Emerald (caterpillar)