Cypress Carpet
Common NameCypress Carpet
Scientific NameThera cupressata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatConiferous forests, parks, gardens, urban areas with cypress and juniper
Geographic RangeNative to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; introduced to North America (Pacific Northwest, California)
Host Plantscypress, juniper, arborvitae
Flight PeriodApril to May and July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green loopers that feed on the needles of cypress and other conifers. They pupate in a cocoon among the foliage or on the ground, typically having two generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled brown and grey forewings with a prominent, often darker, central band and wavy transverse lines. Its strong association with cypress and juniper trees is a key identification clue.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with cryptic brown and grey forewings featuring intricate darker bands and mottling, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
