
Common Carpet
The leading edge of the forewing of this moth is slightly concave in the middle, a feature which assists in its identification. The forewings tend to be narrower and more tapered than similar species with a broader dark cross-band. The colour of the moth, including the central cross-band, can vary slightly, with particularly darker forms occurring in western Ireland and lighter forms found on chalk and limestone habitats.
The larvae can be seen from late June to July and September in the south in Ireland and in August in the north. They overwinter as pupae.
Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxitilis) and Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo).
Occurs on coastal cliffs, sand dunes, shingle, calcareous grassland and moorland.
Galium Carpet - Patrick Clement
Patrick Clement
Galium Carpet - Tony Morris
Tony Morris
Galium Carpet - Garry Barlow
Garry Barlow
Galium Carpet - Ilia Ustyantsev
Ilia Ustyantsev
Galium Carpet - Dave Shenton
Dave Shenton
Galium Carpet - Sue Davies
Sue Davies