This is a weakly marked light to dark grey moth, with many faint cross-lines on the forewings and a slightly darker central cross-band. A small dark central spot is always present. It can resemble the Grey Mountain Carpet, but this species is darker with bolder markings and is bigger in size. Easily disturbed by day from rocks and tree trunks. Flies at night.

Size and Family

  • Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
  • Medium Sized 

Conservation status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Bedstraws.

Habitat

Prefers moorland with exposed rocks but can also be found on sand dunes and open woodland.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
  • Fairly common and well distributed in northern England, becoming less frequent and more restricted into Scotland, the Hebrides, Orkney and Ireland.  Also reasonably widespread in the north and west Wales and becoming scarcer further south. There are a very few records from Dorset, Surrey and Sussex.
 
Striped Twin-spot Carpet - Stuart Read

Striped Twin-spot Carpet

Striped Twin-spot Carpet by David G Green

Striped Twin-spot Carpet

Striped Twin-spot Carpet by Roy Leverton

Striped Twin-spot Carpet


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