Grey Carpet
Common NameGrey Carpet
Scientific NameLithostege griseata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downland, sandy areas, open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, including the British Isles, and parts of Central Asia
Host PlantsSisymbrium officinale, Descurainia sophia, Thlaspi arvense
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the seeds and flowers of various Brassicaceae plants, pupating in the soil. The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform pale grey, finely speckled appearance with indistinct markings, and relatively small size. A faint discal spot and wavy postmedian line may be subtly visible.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with pale, almost white wings densely dusted with dark grey or black scales, giving it a finely speckled or frosted appearance.
