Green Carpet
Colostygia pectinataria
This record describes Colostygia pectinataria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22-27 mm. The bright green colour of this moth when freshly emerged soon fades to a yellowish-brown. It inhabits a range of habitats, including heaths, mosses and woodland. The single generation flies from May to July. Like many of its congeners, the main foodplant is Bedstraw. Generally 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
- Colostygia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits a range of habitats, including heaths, mosses and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies from May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like many of its congeners, the main foodplant is Bedstraw.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Generally 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 Colostygia pectinataria. 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 Green Carpet (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Carpet
What is Green Carpet?
Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Green Carpet found?
Habitat: It inhabits a range of habitats, including heaths, mosses and woodland.
When is Green Carpet active?
Green Carpet: seasonal activity - The single generation flies from May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Green Carpet?
Like many of its congeners, the main foodplant is Bedstraw.