Common Marbled Carpet
Image: Ben Sale from Stevenage, UK (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameCommon Marbled Carpet
Scientific NameEpirrhoe alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown, grey
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsbedstraws (Galium spp.), cleavers (Galium aparine)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, camouflaged on their host plants (bedstraws), pupating in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive marbled pattern of dark and light bands, particularly the broad dark central band and the wavy subterminal line on the forewings.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its intricate forewing pattern of alternating dark brown, white, and grey bands, with a prominent dark central band and wavy cross-lines.
