Blotched Emerald - Comibaena bajularia

Wingspan 23 to 27 mm. Cream and fawn blotches in the trailing corner of the otherwise green forewing and hindwing are diagnostic. Fringes are chequered.

The favoured habitat is deciduous woodland.

The main flight period is June to July when the adults, particularly the males, are attracted readily to light.

The larvae feed on the leaves of Oak. They attach bits of leaves and other plant debris to themselves which act as superb camouflage.

This very attractive species is distributed mainly in the southern half of England, and parts of Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).