Dusky Carpet
Common NameDusky Carpet
Scientific NameEpirrhoe tristata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatMoorland, heathland, woodland edges, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsGalium spp. (bedstraws)
Flight PeriodMay to August (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on bedstraws. They pupate in the soil or among leaf litter, with adults emerging in two broods.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic wavy dark bands across the forewings, particularly the prominent central band, and the contrast with the paler hindwings.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring distinct dark, wavy transverse bands, and paler, often whitish hindwings.
