Geometridae

70.102 Striped Twin-spot Carpet Coenotephria salicata latentaria (Curtis, 1830)

Common

Similar species: Mottled Grey Colostygia multistrigaria is usually more brown and has a less prominent spot in the forewing. Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata f.thules is darker at the base of the forewing with a more rounded edge to that area. It also has a less lobed outer edge to the central bar.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Upland moorland with grassy areas and exposed rocks, open woodland, other grassy areas and coastal sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from rest on rocks during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Heath Bedstraw and other bedstraws. It overwinters as a full-fed larva in a cocoon in the leaf litter where it pupates in the spring.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Hedge Bedstraw.