Geometridae

70.084 Blue-bordered Carpet Plemyria rubiginata rubiginata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common except Scotland

Plemyria rubiginata plumbata (Curtis, 1832)

Local North England, Scotland

Similar species: Only the very rare migrant Fir Carpet Thera vetustata looks similar to the main form of this otherwise distinct species. There are forms of Blue-bordered Carpet in the north where the normally white areas of the wing are grey.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: River-banks and stream margins, water-meadows, damp woodland, scrub, hedgerows, orchards and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies at sunset and then later in the evening. It comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on Blackthorn or Alder, but also Plum, Hawthorn, Apple, birches and other deciduous trees. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon on the foodplant.