Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 6th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/200th sec at f/11)

Description

Family: Geometridae (ABH : 70.302)

Wing span: 34 - 40mm

The rather rounded wings, rich blue-green colour when fresh, and sweeping white crosslines distinguish this species from other emeralds.

It is well distributed in the southern half of England and Wales, except on high ground, acid soils or heavy clays.

Its main habitat is chalk or limestone grassland or scrub where the larval foodplant grows. It is also found in gardens.

There is one generation from late June to early August. The larva is the over-wintering stage.

Larvae feed on Traveller's Joy and cultivated clematis.

It comes to light, usually in small numbers.

Earliest UK sighting: 15th June ; Latest UK sighting: 8th July

Sightings