Little Emerald
Jodis lactearia
This record describes Jodis lactearia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23 to 26 mm. A paler green than most other 'emeralds', the colour fades very quickly after the moth's emergence from the pupa. Feeding on a range of trees and bushes, including Birch, Hawthorn and Oak, the larva pupates before overwintering. It is fairly common throughout England, Wales and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Jodis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring in woodland areas.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeding on a range of trees and bushes, including Birch, Hawthorn and Oak, the larva pupates before overwintering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common throughout England, Wales and Ireland. 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 Jodis lactearia. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Emerald
What is Little Emerald?
Little Emerald (Jodis lactearia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Little Emerald found?
Habitat: Occurring in woodland areas.
When is Little Emerald active?
Little Emerald: seasonal activity - Flies in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Little Emerald?
Feeding on a range of trees and bushes, including Birch, Hawthorn and Oak, the larva pupates before overwintering.