Ash Carpet
Common NameAsh Carpet
Scientific NameHorisme corticata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia Minor
Host PlantsFraxinus (Ash), Ligustrum (Privet), Syringa (Lilac), Lonicera (Honeysuckle)
Flight PeriodMay to July and August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various trees and shrubs, particularly Ash. It is bivoltine, with two generations per year, and pupates in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its cryptic grey-brown coloration with distinct wavy dark lines and a somewhat broader, darker central band on the forewings. Rests with wings flattened, often blending seamlessly with tree bark or rough surfaces.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring several wavy dark transverse lines and a prominent darker central band, providing excellent camouflage against bark.
