Dark Marbled Carpet
Dysstroma citrata
This record describes Dysstroma citrata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 30 mm. Variable in markings and colouration, but very similar to Common Marbled Carpet (Dysstroma truncata). There are subtle separation characteristics based on the shape of the postmedian line on the underwings, which is more angular in this species. Dark Marbled Carpet does not have a form with a wide plain orange band across the forewings (which Common Marbled Carpet has). All records must be supported by photos of bother the upper and underside, preferably at rest, clearly showing the upperside markings and the underside of the hindwing. It inhabits woodland and moorland habitats. Adults fly in the summer, mainly in July and August. There is some overlap between the two broods of Common Marbled Carpet. The larvae feed on a range of bushes and plants, including Willow and bilberry. It is distributed throughout Britain, though more local in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Dysstroma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland and moorland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in the summer, mainly in July and August. There is some overlap between the two broods of Common Marbled Carpet.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a range of bushes and plants, including Willow and bilberry.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed throughout Britain, though more local in the south. 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 Dysstroma citrata. 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 Dark Marbled Carpet (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Marbled Carpet
What is Dark Marbled Carpet?
Dark Marbled Carpet (Dysstroma citrata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dark Marbled Carpet found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland and moorland habitats.
When is Dark Marbled Carpet active?
Dark Marbled Carpet: seasonal activity - Adults fly in the summer, mainly in July and August. There is some overlap between the two broods of Common Marbled Carpet..
What is the life cycle of a Dark Marbled Carpet?
The larvae feed on a range of bushes and plants, including Willow and bilberry.