Olive-and-black Carpet Moth
Common NameOlive-and-black Carpet Moth
Scientific NameChloroclysta siterata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsolive green, brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbirch, alder, rowan, sallow, hawthorn, bilberry
Flight PeriodAugust to November (overwintering adults may fly again March to May)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe Olive-and-black Carpet Moth overwinters as an adult, often emerging from hibernation in early spring to lay eggs. Larvae feed during the summer months, pupating in a cocoon before the new generation of adults emerges in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive olive-green and dark brown mottling on the forewings, particularly the broad, irregular central band and the pale, wavy subterminal line. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark or moss.
Description
This moth has forewings mottled with olive-green, dark brown, and greyish-white patterns, featuring a prominent dark central band and a pale, wavy subterminal line. The hindwings are paler grey-brown.
