Rixata Carpet
Common NameRixata Carpet
Scientific NameHydriomena rixata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black, white
HabitatConiferous forests, mixed forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsAbies (fir), Picea (spruce), Tsuga (hemlock)
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers (inchworms) that feed on the needles of various conifer trees. They undergo pupation, likely in the soil or leaf litter, before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy, mottled brown and gray forewing pattern with a noticeable dark central band. The pale, unpatterned hindwings are also a key feature when visible.
Description
This moth has forewings mottled with complex patterns of dark brown, light brown, and grayish-white, featuring wavy crosslines and a prominent darker central band. The hindwings are much paler, typically a uniform light grayish-white.
