Garden Carpet
Xanthorhoe fluctuata
This record describes Xanthorhoe fluctuata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18-25 mm. A grey or greyish white moth. Central cross band on forewing blackish in leading half usually pale in trailing half. This moth shows a preference for suburban habitats, but can be found almost anywhere It is continuously-brooded during the summer months from April through to September, and adults and larvae could be found in any of these months. Larva feeds on various Cruciferae , including Garlic Mustard, Shepherd's-purse, Hairy Bitter-cress and Cabbage, overwintering as a pupa. A common species throughout the British Isles. 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
This moth shows a preference for suburban habitats, but can be found almost anywhere
Seasonal Activity
April to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is continuously-brooded during the summer months from April through to September, and adults and larvae could be found in any of these months. Larva feeds on various
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout the British Isles. 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 fluctuata. 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 Garden Carpet (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Carpet
What is Garden Carpet?
Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Garden Carpet found?
Habitat: This moth shows a preference for suburban habitats, but can be found almost anywhere
When is Garden Carpet active?
Garden Carpet: seasonal activity - April to September.
What is the life cycle of a Garden Carpet?
It is continuously-brooded during the summer months from April through to September, and adults and larvae could be found in any of these months. Larva feeds on various