Essex emerald moth  (Thetidia smaragdaria maritima)

Description

The Essex Emerald moth is one that could be mistaken for a butterfly in shape. The upper wings are a light, dusky emerald in colour, the upper edge bordered with pale yellow. There is a cream-coloured uneven line that echoes the line of the outer edge of the wing, a cream spot inboard of this line, and another faint line at the base of the wing. The hind wings are a much paler green, again with faint white lines echoing the outer edges. The body of the insect matches the wings in colouration, but the thorax is more strongly coloured. The yellow line of the upper wings is continued across the top of the thorax. The caterpillar grows to about 20-23 mm, and has a greyish body and darker grey lines running down its length. The skin is very rough and usually covered with particles of leaf.

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