Flame Carpet
Xanthorhoe designata
This record describes Xanthorhoe designata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-28 mm. The only likely confusion is with the Red Carpet which has a sinuous outer edge to the central cross-band; in Flame Carpet the outer edge of the central cross-band is dentate with two distinct projections. There are two generations of this moth during the year. One in May and June and a second in August. It feeds on various Cruciferous plants such as Rape and Cabbage. It is fairly common throughout most of Britain. 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
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Xanthorhoe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows, gardens and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations of this moth during the year. One in May and June and a second in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on various Cruciferous plants such as Rape and Cabbage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common throughout most 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 Xanthorhoe designata. 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 Flame Carpet (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flame Carpet
What is Flame Carpet?
Flame Carpet (Xanthorhoe designata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Flame Carpet found?
Habitat: Hedgerows, gardens and woodland.
When is Flame Carpet active?
Flame Carpet: seasonal activity - There are two generations of this moth during the year. One in May and June and a second in August..
What is the life cycle of a Flame Carpet?
It feeds on various Cruciferous plants such as Rape and Cabbage.