70.128 BF1784 - Pretty Chalk Carpet - Geometridae - Melanthia procellata

70.128 BF1784 - Geometridae - Melanthia procellata - Pretty Chalk Carpet

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Significant Record / Very Rare / Vagrant

Taxonomy: Macro >> Geometridae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.

ID pointers: Chalky-white wings, hence its name. Forewing pattern is diagnostic with the dark brown central cross-band stopping abruptly before the middle of the wing. Also a white blotch is obvious in the central area of the dark brown outer border.

Distribution: (Last record: 20/06/2023 at Belper ) - Latest record away from the known recording site – June 20th 2023 – There is only one know site in South Derbyshire, however, Dave Evans trapped a specimen in his garden trap on 20th June 2023. Just an incredible record of such an isolated and rare species in Derbyshire.

Flight Period: June / July / August / - On the wing early June through to late August.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - but often seen by day

Wingspan: 27-32mm
Forewing: 16-18mm

Food Plant: Traveller’s Joy

Last Recorded Date: 20/06/2023

Last Recorded By: Dave Evans

Last Recorded General Area: Belper

No First Date Information Recorded

Pretty Chalk Carpet – Melanthia procellata – Dave Evans

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