Large Twin-spot Carpet
Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata
This record describes Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 29-32 mm. The outer edge of the dark central cross-band is slightly crenulate throughout its length in the Large Twin-spot. Inhabiting woodland habitats and rough grassland in well wooded areas. A single-brooded species, the adult flies in June and July and is attracted to light. The larvae feed on low-growing plants such as Bedstraw and overwinter in this stage. This moth is widely distributed but local in England (especially the south) and south Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
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
Inhabiting woodland habitats and rough grassland in well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
A single-brooded species, the adult flies in June and July and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on low-growing plants such as Bedstraw and overwinter in this stage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is widely distributed but local in England (especially the south) and south Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata. 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 Large Twin-spot Carpet (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Twin-spot Carpet
What is Large Twin-spot Carpet?
Large Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Large Twin-spot Carpet?
in the Large Twin-spot.
Where is Large Twin-spot Carpet found?
Habitat: Inhabiting woodland habitats and rough grassland in well wooded areas.
When is Large Twin-spot Carpet active?
Large Twin-spot Carpet: seasonal activity - A single-brooded species, the adult flies in June and July and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Large Twin-spot Carpet?
The larvae feed on low-growing plants such as Bedstraw and overwinter in this stage.