Black-and-white Carpet
Image: Ben Sale from Stevenage, UK (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameBlack-and-white Carpet
Scientific NameLarentia hastata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, clearings, heathland, moorland
Geographic RangeHolarctic (North America, Europe, Asia)
Host PlantsGalium spp. (bedstraws)
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, feeding on bedstraws. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsThe bold, contrasting black and white pattern with the distinctive jagged white band across the forewings is highly characteristic for field identification.
Description
A medium-sized moth with striking black and white patterned wings, featuring a broad, jagged white central band and dark margins.
