Photo © Mike Wall

Small Grass Emerald

Chlorissa viridata

Checklist Number
70.306 [B&F: 1670]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Geometrinae
Genus:Chlorissa
Species:viridata
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Nationally scarce (Na) in damp heathland and mosses in parts of southern England and in north-western England, where now very rare. Fairly common in boggy areas of the New Forest, and eastwards to Emer Bog although not in recent years; formerly on heathy ground in Botley Wood, but not since 1960. No recent record from the Isle of Wight, and the old record for northern Hampshire remains unconfirmed. Wingspan 24-27 mm. Similar to Little Emerald Jodis lactearia, but cross-lines straighter. Larva feeds on Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Creeping Willow, Gorse and other woody plants, over-wintering as a pupa.

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)