Scorched Carpet
Ligdia adustata
This record describes Ligdia adustata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20 to 25 mm. Both the English and Latin names refer to the 'scorched' appearance of this species, though this is more obvious on the underside, which is suffused with reddish-brown. Often in woodland and round its larval foodplant. It is mainly double-brooded, flying in May and June, and later in August. Reasonably frequent in the south of England and Wales, its range extends to parts of northern England where it is scarce. 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
- Ligdia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often in woodland and round its larval foodplant.
Seasonal Activity
It is mainly double-brooded, flying in May and June, and later in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Spindle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably frequent in the south of England and Wales, its range extends to parts of northern England where it is scarce. 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 Ligdia adustata. 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 Scorched Carpet (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scorched Carpet
What is Scorched Carpet?
Scorched Carpet (Ligdia adustata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scorched Carpet found?
Habitat: Often in woodland and round its larval foodplant.
When is Scorched Carpet active?
Scorched Carpet: seasonal activity - It is mainly double-brooded, flying in May and June, and later in August..
What is the life cycle of a Scorched Carpet?
The larvae feed on Spindle.