Magnificent Carpet Moth
Image: Ben Sale from Stevenage, UK (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameMagnificent Carpet Moth
Scientific NameOrtholitha magnifica
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsorange-brown, dark brown, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands
Geographic RangePalaearctic region (Europe, Asia, North Africa)
Host PlantsVarious low-growing herbaceous plants, Thyme (Thymus spp.), Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers', typically feeding on low-growing plants. Pupation usually occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively large size for the genus, and the strong contrast between the orange-brown ground color and the dark, wavy transverse bands on the forewings, particularly the distinct central band.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its broad, orange-brown forewings adorned with prominent, wavy dark brown and blackish transverse bands. The hindwings are a lighter orange-brown with fainter wavy lines and a dark terminal band.
