Geometridae

70.081 Grey Pine Carpet Thera obeliscata obeliscata (Hübner, [1787])

Common

Thera obeliscata scotica (Staudinger, 1901)

Common Scotland

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 Spruce Carpet Thera britannica have triangular rather than rectangular segments to the antennae. Chestnut-coloured Carpet Thera cognata is chestnut in colour, is on average smaller (11 to 14mm) and has more rounded wings.

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 Norway Spruce, Scots Pine, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Monterey Cypress, Lawson's Cypress and other conifers. It pupates under the soil.