Blotched Emerald
Comibaena bajularia
This record describes Comibaena bajularia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Comibaena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The favoured habitat is deciduous woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period is June to July when the adults, particularly the males, are attracted readily to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves of Oak. They attach bits of leaves and other plant debris to themselves which act as superb camouflage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
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.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Comibaena bajularia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blotched Emerald (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blotched Emerald
What is Blotched Emerald?
Blotched Emerald (Comibaena bajularia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Blotched Emerald found?
Habitat: The favoured habitat is deciduous woodland.
When is Blotched Emerald active?
Blotched Emerald: seasonal activity - The main flight period is June to July when the adults, particularly the males, are attracted readily to light..
What is the life cycle of a Blotched Emerald?
The larvae feed on the leaves of Oak. They attach bits of leaves and other plant debris to themselves which act as superb camouflage.