Geometridae

70.297 Grass Emerald Pseudoterpna pruinata atropunctaria (Walker, 1863)

Common

Similar species: Faded specimens of Jersey Emerald Pseudoterpna coronillaria could be mistaken for a worn Grass Emerald, which has brown central cross-lines and a dark suffusion in the area of the white outer cross-line.

Forewing: 14 to 19mm

Habitats: Open woodland, scrub, heathland, moorland, vegetated shingle beaches, gravel pits and embankments with the foodplants present.

Habits: It is often disturbed from its foodplants during the day. It comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Broom, gorse and Petty Whin. It pupates in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Dyer's Greenweed.