Barred Pink Carpet
Common NameBarred Pink Carpet
Scientific NameRhodostrophia vibicaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus)
Host PlantsCalluna vulgaris (heather), Cytisus scoparius (broom), Ulex europaeus (gorse), Genista (dyer's greenweed), various other low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to August (often bivoltine, with two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are slender and cryptic, feeding on low-growing plants and overwintering. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its broad wings and the characteristic wavy, barred pattern on the forewings. The ground color can vary from reddish-brown to grey-brown, with the 'pink' often being a subtle flush not always prominent.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad wings, typically reddish-brown to grey-brown. The forewings feature prominent darker wavy cross-lines and a pale subterminal line, while the hindwings are paler with fainter markings.
