This moth can resemble the Galium Carpet, which has more pointed forewings and more distinct white areas between darker forewing bands.  Darker forms of the moth found in the Northern Isles, northern Scotland and urban parts of London resemble the Striped Twin-spot Carpet, but the dark band on the forewings is darker on the leading half in the Garden Carpet.

The adults can be found at rest on walls and fences during the day and is readily disturbed. They fly from dusk. The larvae can be seen from June to late October or November and overwinter as pupae.

Size and Family

  • Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
  • Small / Medium Sized 
  • Wingspan range - 26-32mm

Conservation Status

    • UK BAP: Not listed
    • Common

    Caterpillar Food Plants

    Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Shepherd’s-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), wild Horse-radish (Armoracia rusticana), Hairy Bitter-cress, Yellow and White Alyssum and cultivated cabbages.

    Habitat

    Found in many habitats including woodland and coastal areas, but favours gardens and allotments where foodplants abound.

    Distribution

    • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
    • Well distributed and common throughout the British Isles, including the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
    Garden Carpet - Tony Morris

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Ryszard Szczygieł

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Heath McDonald

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - creaturesnapper (flickr)

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Patrick Clement

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Vlad Proklov

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Ben Sale

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Koen Thonissen

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Dave Shenton

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - Dave Shenton

    Garden Carpet

    Garden Carpet - creaturesnapper (flickr)

    Garden Carpet