70.051 BF1724 - Red Twin-spot Carpet - Geometridae - Xanthorhoe spadicearia

70.051 BF1724 - Geometridae - Xanthorhoe spadicearia - Red Twin-spot Carpet

Adult Macro: CAT 2 - Can be confused with other species -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Geometridae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

ID pointers: The moth can be confused with the reddish banded form of Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (ferrugata). Generally has brighter markings and the central cross band is distinctly edged with white. Generally has a more banded appearance than DBTC. The once thought presence of a notch to distinguish DBTC has been shown to be unreliable.

Distribution: (Last record: 05/08/2024 at Cromford ) - A resident species that is on the decline. Small populations exist in very local areas of Derbyshire. For example in 2008 reported only from 10 locations.

Flight Period: May / June / July / August / - On the wing between May – June and July – August.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal Crepuscular

Wingspan: 24-27mm
Forewing: 12-13mm

Food Plant: Herbaceous plants and knotgrass (Polygonum) and bedstraw (Galium).

Last Recorded Date: 05/08/2024

Last Recorded By: Clive Ashton

Last Recorded General Area: Cromford

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: Images by Ian White © of a rather unusual colour form – Buxton 17th May 2024 / Christian Heintzen 1/8/24 – Glossop