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Large Emerald
Geometra papilionaria
1 photo
·1 photographer
·Common · 1 ptsLarge leafy-green moth of birch and hazel woodland; flies on summer nights.
1 community photo of Large Emerald on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/50ss shutter, 6.86mm.
Species Profile
Green List; locally common in suitable upland habitat but range-restricted in the UK.
- Lifespan
- 2–3 weeks as an adult moth
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 36–42 mm
- Habitat
- Woodland edges, river valleys, and areas with abundant birch and alder trees, particularly in upland regions.
- UK Distribution
- Resident in northern England, Scotland, and parts of Wales; absent from southern England. Flights peak in late June and July.
- Diet
- Adults do not feed; larvae feed exclusively on the foliage of birch (Betula) and alder (Alnus) trees.
- Predators
- Birds, spiders, and small mammals; vulnerable to nocturnal predators when at rest during the day.
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly or in small batches on host plant foliage. Single generation per year; larvae develop through summer and pupate in autumn, overwintering in the soil.
- Behaviour
- Nocturnal and attracted to light. Adults rest during the day on vegetation with wings folded roof-like over the body. They are strong fliers and active only at night, making them difficult to observe.
Sources and editorial status
The short identification summary comes from the Things With Wings species catalogue. The extended species profile is AI-assisted and has not been individually reviewed by a wildlife expert, so verify important identification or conservation details with the specialist sources below.
Profile generated 5 August 2026
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Camera Settings (top photos)
Shutter
1/50ss
ISO Range
200
Aperture
f/f/1.78
Focal Length
6.86mm
