Cypress Carpet
Thera cupressata
This record describes Thera cupressata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26 to 29 mm. Similar to Juniper Carpet but with a series of dark streaks near the apex of the forewing. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Parks and gardens where the foodplants Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress occur. The moths fly in May and June, with a second generation in August and September. It feeds on Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress. First found in West Sussex in 1984, this species has now become established in parts of southern England, such as the Isle of Wight, Hampshire and Dorset and may be spreading north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Thera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Parks and gardens where the foodplants Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress occur.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in May and June, with a second generation in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress.
Additional species information
Recorded status
First found in West Sussex in 1984, this species has now become established in parts of southern England, such as the Isle of Wight, Hampshire and Dorset and may be spreading north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Thera cupressata. 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 Cypress Carpet
What is Cypress Carpet?
Cypress Carpet (Thera cupressata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cypress Carpet found?
Habitat: Parks and gardens where the foodplants Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress occur.
When is Cypress Carpet active?
Cypress Carpet: seasonal activity - The moths fly in May and June, with a second generation in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Cypress Carpet?
It feeds on Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress.