Juniper Carpet
Common NameJuniper Carpet
Scientific NameThera juniperata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, dark brown
HabitatJuniper woodlands, heathlands, gardens, areas with juniper shrubs
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsJuniperus communis, Juniperus sabina, Juniperus horizontalis
Flight PeriodAugust to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed on juniper needles, pupating in a cocoon among the foliage or on the ground. There is typically one generation per year, overwintering as an egg or pupa.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its association with juniper plants, the distinctive dark central band on the forewings, and its late flight period in autumn.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, characterized by prominent dark, wavy cross-bands, including a distinct central band.
