Chlorissa viridata

Description

Chlorissa viridata, the small grass emerald, is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It is found from western Europe to eastern Asia. The wingspan is 24–27 mm. The base colour of the forewings is green, but soon fades to yellow. The larvae feed on Calluna vulgaris, Betula and Salix species (including Salix repens). Other recorded foodplants include Empetrum nigrum, Myrica gale, Vaccinium uliginosum, Quercus, Potentilla, Galium, Hieracium, Artemisia, Ononis, Clematis, Prunus, Crataegus, Corylus, Rubus, Erica, Ulex, Genista, Lotus corniculatus, Crataegus and Ledum palustre. Larvae can be found from July to August. The species overwinters as a pupa.