Least Carpet
Common NameLeast Carpet
Scientific NameIdaea rusticata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, brown, black
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, waste ground, woodland edges, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America (e.g., Pacific Northwest)
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, chickweed, groundsel, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to June and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are slender 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, overwintering as larvae or pupae before pupating in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale ground color with a strong, dark, wavy subterminal band on the forewings, often accompanied by a dark discal spot. The hindwings have similar but fainter markings, giving the moth a somewhat 'dusty' or 'frosted' appearance.
Description
A small, pale greyish-white moth with distinctive dark brown to blackish markings, including a prominent wavy subterminal band on the forewings and a smaller discal spot.
