Chestnut-coloured Carpet

A Chestnut-brown or grey-brown moth with broad, round forewings. The central cross-band is relatively broad in the trailing half of the forewing, with no major indentation or scalloping. The single dark dash at the wing tip distinguishes it from similar species such as Juniper Carpet, which has several dark dashes near the tip and a scalloped central band.

The moth is unlikely to be seen far from Common Juniper.

Adults are attracted to light. Overwinters as small larvae. Larvae occur from September to early June; pupates among leaves or fallen needles of foodplant.

Flight Season

Flies in July and August in one generation.

Size and Family

Family – Carpets, pugs and allies (Larentiinae)

Small to Medium sized

Wingspan range: 26-30 mm  

Conservation Status

UK BAP: Not listed

Nationally Scarce (B)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Habitat

Limestone downland, moorland, lightly wooded hillsides and rocky outcrops, including sea cliffs.

Distribution

• Countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
• Widely and well distributed in Scotland. Locally found in Cumbria, Yorkshire, North and South Wales. Local in Western Ireland and the north west coast particularly Co. Donegal.