The 'Common Carpet' ''(Epirrhoe alternata)'' is a
moth of the family
Geometridae. It is found throughout the
Palearctic region and the
Near East.
The
wingspan is 27-30 mm. The forewings vary from grey to black, marked with white
fascia, giving a striped appearance. The hindwings are paler grey with white fascia. Northern races tend to be paler overall. One or two broods are produced each year and the adults may be seen any time from May to September . The species flies at night and is attracted to light.
The
larva is generally brown or green but is very variable in its markings. It feeds on
bedstraw. The species overwinters as a
pupa.
# ''The flight season refers to the
British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.''
References
'Chinery, Michael' ''Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe'' 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
'Skinner, Bernard' ''Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles'' 1984