Geometridae: Geometrinae

1666 (ABH70.299) Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR07969

Holme Fen, August 2011
Holme Fen, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Holme Fen, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR, 9th July 2005.
Monks Wood NNR, 9th July 2005.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks WOod NNR, 11th Jul 2007. RIS trap.
Monks WOod NNR, 11th Jul 2007. RIS trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is the largest of the UK emeralds.

 

Pupates in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 24-29mm.
Foodplant(s): Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Flying: One generation, June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, scrubby heathland, grassland, hedgerows and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 46 (17%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 21 May to 06 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 20 May to 29 August



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Spiny
Colours:
Green, yellow, white, red, brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2