Red-green Carpet
Chloroclysta siterata
This record describes Chloroclysta siterata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-36 mm. The adult has a subtle combination of reddish and green colours which seem to change in the light. An autumn species, occurring in September and October. The adult moth hibernates flying again in early spring. The larval foodplants are various deciduous trees, especially Oak and Rowan. It is locally distributed over much 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
- Chloroclysta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying mainly woodland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
An autumn species, occurring in September and October. The adult moth hibernates flying again in early spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are various deciduous trees, especially Oak and Rowan.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is locally distributed over much 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 Chloroclysta siterata. 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 Red-green Carpet (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-green Carpet
What is Red-green Carpet?
Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Red-green Carpet found?
Habitat: Occupying mainly woodland habitats.
When is Red-green Carpet active?
Red-green Carpet: seasonal activity - An autumn species, occurring in September and October. The adult moth hibernates flying again in early spring..
What is the life cycle of a Red-green Carpet?
The larval foodplants are various deciduous trees, especially Oak and Rowan.