Least Carpet
Idaea rusticata
This record describes Idaea rusticata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 21 mm. This is a small but delicately-marked moth. May be found in various habitats especially in areas where the larval food plants are found. Normally on the wing in July and August, it flies at night and can be attracted to light. The larvae feed on Ivy and Traveller's Joy among other plants. This small but delicately-marked moth was formerly restricted to the south-eastern counties of England, although it seems to be increasing its range. 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
- Idaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be found in various habitats especially in areas where the larval food plants are found.
Seasonal Activity
Normally on the wing in July and August, it flies at night and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Ivy and Traveller's Joy among other plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This small but delicately-marked moth was formerly restricted to the south-eastern counties of England, although it seems to be increasing its range. 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 Idaea rusticata. 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 Least Carpet (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Least Carpet
What is Least Carpet?
Least Carpet (Idaea rusticata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Least Carpet found?
Habitat: May be found in various habitats especially in areas where the larval food plants are found.
When is Least Carpet active?
Least Carpet: seasonal activity - Normally on the wing in July and August, it flies at night and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Least Carpet?
The larvae feed on Ivy and Traveller's Joy among other plants.