Photo © Mike Wall

Small Emerald

Hemistola chrysoprasaria

Checklist Number
70.302 [B&F: 1673]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Geometrinae
Genus:Hemistola
Species:chrysoprasaria
Authority:(Esper, 1795)

Local on heathland, downland, open woodland, scrubland and in gardens throughout much of southern England, spreading into northern England, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight frequent amongst Clematis on the chalk, and occasional elsewhere, where it possibly uses cultivated Clematis as its larval foodplant. Wingspan 33-40 mm. Distinguished from all other medium-sized emeralds by the rounded wings and curved cross-lines. Larva feeds on Traveller's-joy and cultivated Clematis.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)