Orange-barred Carpet Moth
Common NameOrange-barred Carpet Moth
Scientific NamePareulype berberata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, grey, black, brown
HabitatWoodlands, scrubland, gardens, hedgerows, especially where Barberry grows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsBerberis vulgaris, Mahonia aquifolium
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host plant, Barberry. The larvae are green 'looper' caterpillars with paler stripes, feeding on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad orange band on the forewings, which contrasts sharply with the mottled grey and black patterns. The wavy black lines bordering the orange band are also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by mottled greyish-brown forewings with a prominent, broad orange band across the central area, bordered by wavy black lines. The hindwings are a plainer pale grey.
