Pretty Chalk Carpet
Melanthia procellata
This record describes Melanthia procellata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-32 mm. This species has chalky wings with the dark brown central cross band stopping abruptly before the middle and a white blotch in the dark brown outer border. It occupies hedgerows and scrubland, particularly in chalky localities, and feeds on Traveller's-joy. There is just one generation, flying normally in July and August, but sometimes as early as June. Larva feeds on Traveller's-joy, over-wintering as a pupa. Fairly common in the Southern half of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Melanthia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies hedgerows and scrubland, particularly in chalky localities, and feeds on Traveller's-joy.
Seasonal Activity
There is just one generation, flying normally in July and August, but sometimes as early as June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva feeds on Traveller's-joy, over-wintering as a pupa.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common in the Southern half of England and Wales. 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 Melanthia procellata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pretty Chalk Carpet
What is Pretty Chalk Carpet?
Pretty Chalk Carpet (Melanthia procellata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pretty Chalk Carpet found?
Habitat: It occupies hedgerows and scrubland, particularly in chalky localities, and feeds on Traveller's-joy.
When is Pretty Chalk Carpet active?
Pretty Chalk Carpet: seasonal activity - There is just one generation, flying normally in July and August, but sometimes as early as June..
What is the life cycle of a Pretty Chalk Carpet?
Larva feeds on Traveller's-joy, over-wintering as a pupa.