70.297 (BF1665)

Grass Emerald   

Pseudoterpna pruinata
Macro
Geometridae
Adult: 2
Resident, common, widespread. Widespread in England and Wales. In Scotland limited to the extreme south and the west coast north to Argyll. A declining species with major long-term decreases in abundance and distribution.

Identification

The darker cross-lines on this emerald will separate it from other emeralds.

Recording method

Easily disturbed during the day from gorse or broom, its foodplants, comes to light in small numbers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva, during July to early June, pupating among plant debris.

Larval foodplants

The larvae feed at night on Gorse and Broom.

Habitat

Heathland, moorland, scrub and open woodland.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1860 for VC72 near Dumfries by Lennon, in 1870 for VC73 in Colvend parish by White and 1899 for VC74 near Monreith by Morton.

238 record(s) from 43 hectad(s) in D&G

VC74 VC73 VC72
Last recorded 2016 2022 2022

 UK Moths website - further information on species (with photos)

 East Scotland Butterfly Conservation website - national distribution maps and phenology

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