Grey Pine Carpet
Thera obeliscata
This record describes Thera obeliscata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28-36 mm. This species shows rather more variation than the similar Pine Carpet as its patterning can be any of a mixture of colours from greyish brown to a richer russet colour. Grey Pine Carpet is similar to the Pine Carpet and Spruce Carpet. A comparison can be found at the following LINK Coniferous woodland, parkland and gardens. There are two generations with moths flying from May to July and again in September and October. The larvae feed mainly on Pine and Spruce but sometimes on other conifers. Fairly common and widespread throughout 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
- Thera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coniferous woodland, parkland and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations with moths flying from May to July and again in September and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on Pine and Spruce but sometimes on other conifers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread throughout 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 Thera obeliscata. 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 Grey Pine Carpet (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey Pine Carpet
What is Grey Pine Carpet?
Grey Pine Carpet (Thera obeliscata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Grey Pine Carpet found?
Habitat: Coniferous woodland, parkland and gardens.
When is Grey Pine Carpet active?
Grey Pine Carpet: seasonal activity - There are two generations with moths flying from May to July and again in September and October..
What is the life cycle of a Grey Pine Carpet?
The larvae feed mainly on Pine and Spruce but sometimes on other conifers.