Geometridae

70.042 Spanish Carpet Scotopteryx peribolata (Hübner, [1817])

Immigrant / Resident Channel Islands

Similar species: This species can be separated from Lead Belle Scotopteryx mucronata and July Belle Scotopteryx luridata by the large kink in the outer edge of the cross-band (third cross-line). The very rare immigrant Fortified Carpet Scotopteryx moeniata is larger with a wider cross-band on the forewing that is broadly shaded with black in the outer half with a notched kink on the outer side.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: In the Channel Islands, Broom on cliffs. On mainland Europe, scrub in hot situations.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Broom and Gorse. It probably pupates in the leaf litter.