Red Carpet

Forewing colour ranges from light grey to tawny brown, usually with a reddish central cross-band. Similar to the Red Twin-spot Carpet but lacking the two spots near the outer edge of the forewing. Also similar to the Flame Carpet, but this species has two obvious projections on the outer edge of the red central band. The wings of the Red Carpet are also more pointed than in the other two species with a darker diagonal mark at the tip.

Flies at dusk, but easily disturbed when at rest during the day on walls, tree trunks and shady rocks.

Size and Family

Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
Medium Sized

Conservation status

UK BAP: Priority Species (Research only)
Common

Particular Caterpillar Food Plants

Lady’s Mantle.

Habitat

Exposed rocky ground, particularly on moorland and grassy hillsides. At the northern edge of its range, it can also be found on roadside verges and sand dunes.

Distribution

Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
Common over parts of northern England and Scotland, including Shropshire, north Wales, Staffordshire, Cumbria, the Peak District, the Hebrides and Orkney. Less frequent and more restricted in the northern half of Ireland.