Geometridae: Larentiinae

1750 (ABH70.103) Water Carpet Lampropteryx suffumata, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR08316

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 26-04-2023. Light trap.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 26-04-2023. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 17th April 2019. Male.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 17th April 2019. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monmouthshire IWhitelye), 26-04-2023. Light trap.
Monmouthshire IWhitelye), 26-04-2023. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species is characterized by its tapering, shiny forewing. It has a strong dark crossband, usually highlighted with white edging. The early flight season means that this moth is unlikely to be confused with any other.

 

Pupates in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.
Often disturbed during day

Forewing length: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo), cleavers (Galium aparine), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile)
Flying: One generation, April-May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, grassy areas, scrub and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 41 (15.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in April 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 March to 17 June

Similar Species
Orton Waterville
Orton Waterville
 Photo © Jonathan Newman
Phoenix Eulithis prunata
Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2012
Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Broken-barred Carpet Electrophaes corylata


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