Blue-bordered Carpet
Plemyria rubiginata
This record describes Plemyria rubiginata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22-28 mm. Markings are fairly consistent in southern specimens, with the 'blue border' along the trailing edge of the wings giving rise to the name. There is a northern UK sub-species, plumbata , that does not have the distinctive white markings. It inhabits woodland, damp areas and gardens and feeds on a range of trees and bushes, including Alder and Blackthorn. One generation per year. It overwinters as an egg and the larvae begin to hatch from April. Fairly widespread and moderately common throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Plemyria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland, damp areas and gardens and feeds on a range of trees and bushes, including Alder and Blackthorn.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
One generation per year. It overwinters as an egg and the larvae begin to hatch from April.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread and moderately common throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Plemyria rubiginata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blue-bordered Carpet (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue-bordered Carpet
What is Blue-bordered Carpet?
Blue-bordered Carpet (Plemyria rubiginata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Blue-bordered Carpet found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland, damp areas and gardens and feeds on a range of trees and bushes, including Alder and Blackthorn.
When is Blue-bordered Carpet active?
Blue-bordered Carpet: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Blue-bordered Carpet?
One generation per year. It overwinters as an egg and the larvae begin to hatch from April.