Geometridae

70.095 Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Common

Similar species: Autumn Green Carpet Chloroclysta miata has whitish markings along each side of the forewing cross-band and lacks the whiter area where the outer edge reaches the leading edge of the wing. It also lacks the darker trailing edge to the cross-band which often forms a black bar in the males. Beech-green Carpet Colostygia olivata has a distinct white edge to both sides of the cross-band and is often a more warm yellowish green.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, mature hedgerows with trees, wooded moorland and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and nectars at Ivy blossom and sallow catkins.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on Pedunculate Oak and Sessile Oak, but is polyphagous on a variety of trees and shrubs including birches, limes, Rowan, Blackthorn, Apple, Wild Cherry and Dog-rose. It pupates in a fragile cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on maples, Goat Willow and Bird Cherry.