Chlorissa viridata (Linnaeus, 1758)


Chlorissa viridata: Adult (Swabian Alb, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Kaltes Feld, Southern Germany) [M]

Host plants:
The caterpillar is polyphagous, but probably prefers Onobrychis and other Fabaceae.

Habitat:
Chlorissa viridata inhabits warm, wind protected grasslands in wooded area or with hedges. Besides, locally also Calluna heaths and fallen dry bogs are inhabited.

Life cycle:
According to literature the pupa hibernates. The moths fly depending on the altitude between late April or late May to early July, occasionally probably also in a partial second generation until August. The caterpillars might be expected from June to August or September.

Endangerment: endangered

Endangerment factors:
Chlorissa viridata has declined sharply due to the destruction of the nutrient-poor grasslands.

Remarks:
Chlorissa viridata occurs in Europe and temperate Asia.