Northern Carpet
Common NameNorthern Carpet
Scientific NameEpirrhoe alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, North America, parts of Asia
Host PlantsGalium (bedstraws) species
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars, typically feeding on bedstraws. They pupate in the soil or among leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of dark, wavy transverse bands on a lighter greyish-brown background, particularly the broad dark median band often bordered by a pale line.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a mottled greyish-brown appearance, featuring prominent dark brown to black wavy bands across the forewings, often with a distinct lighter median band.
