Geometridae

70.100 Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria (Knoch, 1781)

Common

Similar species: The bold black markings distinguish this moth from other species even when it has faded to a pale buff colour.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Woodland rides, clearings and margins, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, grasslands, heathland, moorland including mountain moorland, marshes, fens, wasteground, sand-dunes and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It is often the commonest moth flying at dusk and it comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw, Heath Bedstraw, Cleavers, other bedstraws, White Dead-nettle, Marjoram and possibly Sheep's Sorrel. It pupates in a cocoon in loose soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Common Nettle and Bilberry.