Geometridae

70.049 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

dark form thules (Prout, 1914)

Common parts England, London area, N and NE Scotland

Similar species: Compared with the dark form of Garden Carpet (f.thules), Striped Twin-spot Carpet Coenotephria salicata latentaria is paler at the base of the forewing and males have slightly feathered antennae. Mottled Grey Colostygia multistrigaria is usually more brown, paler at the base of the forewing and the central forewing spot is either inconspicuous or absent. Males have feathered antennae.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Urban areas, allotments, gardens, wasteground, woodland, coastal habits and many other places where the foodplants are present.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from walls and fences during the day. It flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on a variety of Cruciferae, including Cabbage, other garden brassicas, Nasturtium, Yellow Alyssum, White Alyssum, Garlic Mustard, Shepherd's-purse, Horse-radish, Hairy Bitter-cress and others. It pupates under the soil.