Steven's Carpet Moth
Common NameSteven's Carpet Moth
Scientific NameGnopharmia stevenaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale brown, grey, yellowish-brown
HabitatDry grasslands, steppes, rocky slopes, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
Host PlantsArtemisia, Thymus, Genista, Salsola
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typical 'looper' caterpillars, feeding on low-growing plants. Overwinters as a pupa or larva.
Identification TipsLook for the specific pattern of faint wavy lines and mottled pale brown/grey coloration. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other Gnopharmia species.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its pale brownish to greyish-brown wings, often with faint, wavy darker transverse lines and a mottled appearance, providing excellent camouflage.
