Ruddy Carpet
Catarhoe rubidata
This record describes Catarhoe rubidata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26 to 31 mm. The colourful combinations of pinks and browns make this an easy species to identify. It occupies open woodland, scrubland, downland and sea-cliffs. An uncommon species, found locally in the southern parts of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Catarhoe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies open woodland, scrubland, downland and sea-cliffs.
Seasonal Activity
Flies mainly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on bedstraws.
Additional species information
Recorded status
An uncommon species, found locally in the southern parts of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Catarhoe rubidata. 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 Ruddy Carpet
What is Ruddy Carpet?
Ruddy Carpet (Catarhoe rubidata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ruddy Carpet found?
Habitat: It occupies open woodland, scrubland, downland and sea-cliffs.
When is Ruddy Carpet active?
Ruddy Carpet: seasonal activity - Flies mainly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Ruddy Carpet?
The larvae feed mainly on bedstraws.