Geometridae

70.046 Oblique Carpet Orthonama vittata (Borkhausen, 1794)

Local

Similar species: Oblique Striped Phibalapteryx virgata is superficially similar until put alongside Oblique Carpet. Any confusion is perhaps in the common name.

The Gem Nycterosea obstipata has a narrower bar across the forewing which is not paler towards the leading edge.

The rare migrant The Many-lined Costaconvexa polygrammata lacks the dark apical streak.

Forewing: 11 to 14mm

Habitats: Marshes, bogs, fens, water-meadows, broads, damp coastal grassland and damp woodland.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Marsh Bedstraw, Heath Bedstraw and possibly other bedstraws.