Species: Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)
Family: Geometer moths (GEOMETRIDAE)
Category: Butterflies & Moths
Location: S
A. Butterflies & Moths
B. Geometer moths (GEOMETRIDAE)
Geometer moths (named for the way in which their larvae move in a weaving fashion as if measuring the earth) form a large family. Their wings are usually held flat. Although these moths appear very much like butterflies, they are indeed moths and are usually nocturnal.
C. Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)
The Garden Carpet moth is a small moth with a wingspan between 18 and 25 millimetres. It is predominantly pale grey and has three jagged markings along the leading edge of its forewing.
This moth's larvae feed on Garlic Mustard - and apparently not on carpets!
The moth has an unusually long flying season, which allows for two or three broods. It seems to prefer suburban habitats, making the cemetery ideal for it.
Images
Garden Carpet
The Garden Carpet moth is a small moth with a wingspan between 18 and 25 millimetres. This moth's larvae feed on Garlic Mustard - and apparently not on carpets!
