Light Emerald (Campaea margaritaria (=margaritata), (Linnaeus, 1761))

General Information
The wings of this species have dark highlighted cross lines and are originally pale green fading to yellowish white.

The larvae have a distinctive fringe of hair-like structures on their undersides.

Pupates in loose soil.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often disturbed during day

Forewing length: 18-26mm.
Foodplant(s): oaks (Quercus spp.), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hazel (Corylus avellana), birches (Betula spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, late May-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 138 (51.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 26 April to 14 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 15 September to 15 September

Similar Species

Great Staughton

Small Emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria

1961 (ABH70.283) Light Emerald Campaea margaritaria (=margaritata), (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR07836