Common Carpet
Common NameCommon Carpet
Scientific NameEpirrhoe alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgrey, white, brown
HabitatWoodlands, grasslands, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangePalearctic region, introduced to North America
Host Plantsbedstraws (Galium spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, primarily bedstraws. Larvae feed on the leaves and pupate in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsKey features include the two prominent white bands on the forewing, separated by a dark central band, and the wavy subterminal line. The hindwings have a similar but less distinct pattern.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, rounded wings, characterized by a distinctive pattern of alternating wavy dark grey-brown and white bands. A prominent dark central band often separates two lighter bands on the forewings.
