70.098 BF1762 - Dark Marbled Carpet - Geometridae - Dysstroma citrata

70.098 BF1762 - Geometridae - Larentiinae - Dysstroma citrata - Dark Marbled Carpet

Adult Macro: CAT 3 - Difficult to identify/Very rare/Scarce species (includes very scarce adventives/immigrants)/County-level first records - images or specimen may be required -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Geometridae

Other Name/s: Chloroclysta citrata

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: Common Marbled Carpet

ID pointers: Can be confused with Common Marbled Carpet. It is very variable in patterning and colour. The most reliable feature is the projection on the outer edge of the post medial line on the upper forewing, which usually reaches the post discal wavy line or interrupts it. The ground-colour is usually a combination of greys and browns.The post median line on underwings is more angular in this species. Does not have an equivalent form of Common Marbled Carpet with an orange/yellow central area. Good photographs of both the upper AND underside or a specimen required to confirm any records.

Distribution: (Last record: 17/09/2024 at Long Clough ) - A resident species that seems to have become uncommon in recent years.In 1986 described as not uncommon in local woodlands. Now appears to be well distributed but mainly associated with deciduous woodland and areas that have a long history of woodland coverage. Is also found on upland/moorland areas. Only 50 records in 50 years gives some indication of how few are recorded each year.

Flight Period: July / August / September / - As it overwinters as an egg, it only has one generation. On the wing between July – mid September Is not on the wing in May or June

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

*** Last updated on 11 March 2025 by RP ***

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Wingspan: 25-30mm
Forewing: 14-19mm

Food Plant: Sallow (Salix) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).

Last Recorded Date: 17/09/2024

Last Recorded By: Christian Heintzen

Last Recorded General Area: Long Clough

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: Kings Newton. – Images by Tony Davison © / Gnat Hole & Longdendale – Christian Heintzen© / Middleton-by-Youlgreave (2013) – Doug Aston©