Geometridae: Larentiinae

1724 (ABH70.051) Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR08252

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


General Information

It has been stated that this species can be distinguished from the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet by the absence of the notch on the inner edge of the of the broad, dark central cross-band near the leading edge of the forewing, although this claim is now thought to be dubious.

 

The Red Twin-spot Carpet does tend to be more brightly coloured and the central band is more distinctly edged with white. Also, the pale, narrow band beyond the central band is thicker and contrasts more clearly with the ground-colour. As both species are quite variable, they are in general indistinguishable.

 

Pupates in plant debris.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 12-13mm.
Foodplant(s): bedstraws (Galium spp.), Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), herbaceous plants
Flying: Two generations, mid April-June and late July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, fenland and moorland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 79 (29.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 17 April to 15 September

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, yellow, green, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2