large emerald: photo K.Noble
The Large emerald (Geometra papilionaria) is a moth in the Geometridae family. It is found throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East.
This is a large and attractive species, as the latin name suggests it is very butterfly like, with a wingspan of 50-65 mm. Newly emerged adults are bright green with darker green and white fascia, though the green colouration fades after a few days. It flies at night from June to August and is attracted to light.
The larva is brown at first, turning green later, and feeds mainly on birch though it has also been recorded on alder, beech, hazel and rowan. The species overwinters as a larva.
When the Large Emerald is active
Gallery[]
The Large Emerald is common throughout Britain