Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata, (Clerck, 1759))

General Information
The most frequent form of this species, f. unidentaria, has a blackish-grey central cross-band. The other form has a reddish-brown band and can be very similar to the Red Twin-spot Carpet. See the Red Twin-spot Carpet for details of the differences.

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), docks (Rumex spp.), herbaceous plants
Flying: Two generations, May-June and late July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Gardens, woodland, hedgerows, fens, moorland and coastal sand-dunes.

Regional Information

Recorded in 38 (14.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 16 April to 14 September

Similar Species

11th July 2020.

Photo © Malcolm Hillier

Balsam Carpet Xanthorhoe biriviata

Earith

Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia

Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata

1725 (ABH70.052) Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata, (Clerck, 1759)

KR08253