Square-patched Carpet Moth
Common NameSquare-patched Carpet Moth
Scientific NameCostaconvexa polygrammata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, cream
HabitatOpen grassy areas, meadows, heathland, woodland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsGalium spp. (bedstraws), Galium aparine (cleavers)
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various species of bedstraws. The species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, dark central band on the forewing, often with a somewhat square or rectangular appearance, and a wavy pale subterminal line.
Description
A small moth with forewings featuring a complex pattern of dark brown, reddish-brown, and pale cream bands, including a prominent broad, dark central band.
