70.281 Sloe Carpet Copyright Martin Evans
 70.281 Sloe Carpet and Early Moth Copyright Martin Evans
 Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
 Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans  70.281 Sloe Carpet Copyright Martin Evans

Geometridae

70.281 Sloe Carpet Aleucis distinctata (Herrich-Schäffer, [1839])

Notable B

Similar species: Early Moth Theria primaria has a more prominent central spot in the forewing and a less jagged outer central cross-line and the males have feathered antennae.

Forewing: 13 to 14mm

Habitats: Hedgerows or where it is found in scrub preferring solitary bushes in areas of abundant Blackthorn. On heathland it prefers small (up to 60cm high) bushes.

Habits: After dark the moth sits on the ends of the outer twigs with its wings folded up over its body like a butterfly. It flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on Blackthorn, resting amongst the foliage during the day. It pupates in the soil.

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