Large Emerald
Geometra papilionaria
This record describes Geometra papilionaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40 to 50 mm. This is the largest of the 'emeralds'. Flies at night in June and July, when it is easily attracted by light. The caterpillar is brown at first, but after overwintering becomes green with brownish 'warts', and feeds mainly on birch. Fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Geometra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woods, heaths and moors.
Seasonal Activity
Flies at night in June and July, when it is easily attracted by light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar is brown at first, but after overwintering becomes green with brownish 'warts', and feeds mainly on birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Geometra papilionaria. 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 Large Emerald (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Emerald
What is Large Emerald?
Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Large Emerald found?
Habitat: It inhabits woods, heaths and moors.
When is Large Emerald active?
Large Emerald: seasonal activity - Flies at night in June and July, when it is easily attracted by light..
What is the life cycle of a Large Emerald?
The caterpillar is brown at first, but after overwintering becomes green with brownish 'warts', and feeds mainly on birch.