Geometridae

70.082 Juniper Carpet Thera juniperata juniperata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Scotland, Channel Islands, Ireland

Thera juniperata scotica White, 1871

Local N England, Scotland

Thera juniperata orcadensis Cockayne, 1950

Extinct ? Orkney

Similar species: Cypress Carpet Thera cupressata has a less distinct cross-band on the forewing and two dark streaks running from the centre of the wing.

Forewing: 11 to 14mm

Habitats: Chalk downland, limestone grassland, parks and gardens. Ssp. scotica moorland, upland grassland and coastal areas.

Habits: The moth can be found resting on the foodplant after dark. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Common Juniper. It pupates within spun needles either on the plant or in the leaf litter.