Beautiful Carpet
Common NameBeautiful Carpet
Scientific NameMesoleuca albicillata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblack, white, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsRubus idaeus (raspberry), Rubus fruticosus (blackberry), Betula (birch), Salix (willow)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae (loopers) feed on the leaves. They pupate in a cocoon among leaf litter or soil, emerging as adults in late spring to summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black and white pattern with the broad, wavy-edged white central band and the dark greyish outer margin on the hindwings and forewings.
Description
This moth has a striking pattern with a broad white central band bordered by black at the base and a dark greyish-black outer margin. The edges of the white band are distinctly wavy.
