Geometridae

70.301 Essex Emerald Thetidia smaragdaria maritima (Prout, 1835)

Extinct

Similar species: With its prominent white spot in the forewing, usually strong central cross-lines (the inner one having a double outward loop) and its saltmarsh habitat, this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Previously found in upper salt-marsh in Essex and Kent.

Habits: Larvae of this species were last recorded in Kent in April 1991. The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Sea Wormwood. In captivity it accepts Wormwood and Southernwood. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon attached to a vertical stem.