Variable Carpet Moth
Common NameVariable Carpet Moth
Scientific NameChloroclysta siterata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsbirch, alder, willow, sallow, rowan, hawthorn, spruce
Flight PeriodAugust to October (overwintering adults fly March to May)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species overwinters as an adult. Eggs are laid in spring, larvae feed on various trees and shrubs during spring and early summer, pupating before emerging as adults in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy transverse lines and the often reddish-brown tinge on the forewings. The dark central band is a key feature, and its flight period (late summer/autumn and again in early spring after overwintering) is also helpful for identification.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown, grey, and reddish-brown forewings, characterized by several wavy, dark transverse lines and a prominent darker central band. The hindwings are typically paler.
