Geometridae

70.305 Common Emerald Hemithea aestivaria (Hübner, 1789)

Common

Similar species: Sussex Emerald Thalera fimbrialis has a scallop in the outer edge of the hindwing, a shallower undulation in the line across the hindwing, the wings have cream and red chequered fringes and the males have feathered antennae.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Woodland, hedgerows, downland scrub, heathland scrub, amenity planting in parks and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes sparingly to light. It also nectars at Creeping Thistle and Wild Privet after dark.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on oaks, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, sallows, Blackthorn, Hazel, willows, birches, Barberry and Berberis cultivars and many other deciduous trees. It may possibly use herbaceous plants such as Mugwort in its early stages. It pupates spun in the leaves of its foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on limes, Rowan, Goat Willow, Purging Buckthorn, Raspberry, Red Currant, Bramble and Dog-rose.