The adults are readily disturbed by day from the ground or rocks. They fly at night and are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from August to the following June, feeding at night overwintering as larvae. 

Size and Family

  • Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
  • Small / Medium Sized 
  • Wingspan Range - 32-38mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Priority species
  • Scarce (Nationally Scarce B)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and other trefoils, clovers and vetches

Habitat

Calcareous grassland, cliffs, embankments and quarries, favouring areas of broken or bare ground

Distribution

  • Countries – England and Wales
  • Nationally Scarce B. Southern England north to the north-east coast, also parts of south Wales
  • Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining

Factsheets

Chalk Carpet - Stuart Read

Chalk Carpet

Chalk Carpet - Garry Barlow

Chalk Carpet

Chalk Carpet by Dave Green

Chalk Carpet

Chalk Carpet - Ben Sale

Chalk Carpet