Geometridae

70.061 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata (Müller, 1764)

Common

Similar species: Wood Carpet Epirrhoe rivata lacks the dark wavy line that runs through the outer pale band. Galium Carpet Epirrhoe galiata has a concave leading edge.

Forewing: 13 to 14mm

Habitats: Woodland rides and clearings, scrub, hedgerows, calcareous grassland, acid grassland, heathland, moorland, marshes, fens, gardens and coastal sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from low vegetation during the day. On Scottish moorland large numbers fly freely in sunshine. The moth flies from dusk nectaring at flowers such as Common Ragwort. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Cleavers, Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and other bedstraws. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.