Sloe Carpet
Common NameSloe Carpet
Scientific NameAsthena albulata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae, which are green with white lines, feed on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the ground or in leaf litter, with two generations typically occurring per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale greyish-brown mottled forewings, and the prominent, often broken, white subterminal line on the forewing. The overall delicate appearance and relatively plain hindwings are also characteristic.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale greyish-brown forewings mottled with darker speckles and faint wavy lines, featuring a distinct white subterminal line. The hindwings are paler and less marked.
