Small Emerald - Hemistola chrysoprasaria

Wingspan 28-32 mm. A distinctive moth. It has emerald green wings that are crossed with white lines. The green wing colour often fades in more mature specimens.

Inhabits woodland edges and hedgerows mainly on chalk downs and limestone where the foodplant grows.

The adults are on the wing in July and August.

The larva feeds on Traveller's-joy in September and October when it is brown, matching dead stems and reaching about 12 mm length. From November to March it diapauses before completing feeding and growth in April and May when it is green, matching live plants. The larva can be distinguished by the pair of forward pointing cones near the head and its many small white warts.

Occurring in the southern parts of Britain and becoming scarcer north of the Midlands. 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)