Sussex Emerald

Can be confused with the Common Emerald although the Sussex Emerald has more distinct red and white chequering along the wing fringe, the hindwing having a distinct concave scallop between two points.

The adults fly at dusk and dawn. The caterpillars can be found from August to early the following June, overwintering as small larvae.

Size and Family

• Family – Emeralds (Geometridae)
• Small / Medium Sized 
• Wingspan Range – 35-39mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Priority Species
• Fully protected in Great Britain
• Rare (Red Data Book)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota). Will occasionally also feed on Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobabaea) and Hoary Ragwort (Senecio erucifolius).

Habitat

Vegetated disturbed coastal shingle.

Distribution

• Countries – England
• Dungeness, Kent, with a possible small population on the coast near Deal, Kent. An occasional immigrant elsewhere.
• Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining