Geometridae

70.079 Spruce Carpet Thera britannica (Turner, 1925)

Common

Similar species: Pine Carpet Pennithera firmata has a deep notch on the inner side of the forewing bar and males have slightly feathered antennae. The males of Grey Pine Carpet Thera obeliscata have rectangular rather than triangular segments to the antennae.

Forewing: 13 to 17mm

Habitats: Coniferous woodland and plantations, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from tree trunks or dislodged from the lower branches of conifers during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Scots Pine, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and sometimes Lawson's Cypress and other conifers. It pupates in the leaf litter or in the soil.