Somber Carpet Moth
Common NameSomber Carpet Moth
Scientific NameChloroclysta truncata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, black, yellowish-orange
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, heathland, moorland
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia, and introduced to parts of North America.
Host Plantsbirch, willow, sallow, hawthorn, bilberry, heather, various fruit trees
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine, with peaks in early summer and late summer/autumn)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are 'loopers' (inchworms) that feed on leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter or in the soil. It typically has two or three generations per year and overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsHighly variable in appearance, but generally identifiable by the somewhat pointed forewing apex and the often prominent, dark central band on the forewing, which may be bordered by paler, wavy lines. Ground color can range from reddish-brown to grey-brown or yellowish-brown.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with highly variable cryptic patterning, typically featuring shades of brown, black, and yellowish-orange, often with a distinct dark central band on the forewings.
