Cloaked Carpet
Euphyia biangulata
This record describes Euphyia biangulata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wingspan is 25 to 30 mm. The forewings show a contrast between the dark brown midfield cross-band and the paler brown basal field with the distal cream band. There are two projections of the dark brown midfield cross-band into the cream band. The dark brown midfield cross-band has a black oblong discal spot. The basal field has greenish scaling. Hindwings are plain whitish, pale fuscous or very light grey, striated grey; with a clear dark discal mark. This is a rare species in our area, so photographs are required to support records and the specimen is best retained until identification has been confirmed. It prefers woodland margins and hedgerows. Its main flight period is June to the end of August or slightly later. A local species, occurring sporadically, mainly in the south-western counties of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Euphyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It prefers woodland margins and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
Its main flight period is June to the end of August or slightly later.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species, occurring sporadically, mainly in the south-western counties of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Euphyia biangulata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloaked Carpet
What is Cloaked Carpet?
Cloaked Carpet (Euphyia biangulata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cloaked Carpet found?
Habitat: It prefers woodland margins and hedgerows.
When is Cloaked Carpet active?
Cloaked Carpet: seasonal activity - Its main flight period is June to the end of August or slightly later..
What is the life cycle of a Cloaked Carpet?
There is one generation per year.