Balsam Carpet
Common NameBalsam Carpet
Scientific NameEcliptopera capitata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsdark grey, white, orange
HabitatWoodlands, riverbanks, damp areas, gardens where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsImpatiens noli-tangere, Impatiens glandulifera
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Impatiens species. The species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, banded forewings combined with a conspicuously bright orange-ochreous body. The specific pattern of the white subterminal line and the dark central band on the forewings are also diagnostic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark greyish-brown forewings featuring intricate white and black banding, including a prominent wavy white subterminal line. Its most striking feature is the bright orange-ochreous thorax and abdomen.
