Small Emerald
EN

Small Emerald

Hemistola chrysoprasaria

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemistola_chrysoprasaria

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Small Emerald faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants, particularly birch species, disrupting the moth's breeding cycle. Woodland fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting the species' ability to recolonize suitable habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Small Emerald inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with abundant birch trees which serve as the primary larval host plants. It also occurs in woodland edges, parks, and large gardens with mature tree cover across its European distribution.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Small Emerald classified as Endangered?
Small Emerald is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Small Emerald faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants, particularly birch species, disrupting the moth's breeding cycle. Woodland fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting the species' ability to recolonize suitable habitats.
Where does Small Emerald live?
Small Emerald occurs in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Croatia (plus 40 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Small Emerald?
The main threats to Small Emerald are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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