Geometridae

70.303 Little Emerald Jodis lactearia (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: This small pale green moth that soon fades to white, has two cross-lines on the hindwings and the males have feathered antennae. These features should separate it from all other British and Irish species.

Forewing: 11 to 13mm

Habitats: Open woodland, mature hedgerows, scrub on heathland, moorland and grassland.

Habits: The moth can be seen flying in numbers around low scrub at dusk, but comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel, but also oaks, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Dogwood, sallows, Broom, Bilberry and probably other shrubs and trees. It pupates spun among the leaves.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Beech, Alder, apples and Bramble.