Spruce Carpet

Wingspan 18-25 mm. Triangular in shape, though sometimes seen with wings raised together 'butterfly like'. Colouring is a mixture of greys, browns and buffs. Spruce Carpet is similar to the Pine Carpet and Grey Pine Carpet. Grey Pine Carpet and Spruce Carpet can be very similar and difficult to separate on external characters alone. Worn individuals will be particularly problematic. They cannot be separated on genitalia features either as there are no consistent differences. The only reliable morphological feature that can be checked is the antennal structure on males, viewed with a good hand lens or microscope. Recorders should ensure that future records of both species are annotated as to whether antennal features on males were checked. Males will have a thinner abdomen with a more pointed terminal segments: https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/uploads1/Difficult_species_guide_page_28.pdf https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-resources-and-downloads/guide-to-difficult-species-online Recorders should ensure that future records of both species are annotated as to whether antennal features on males were checked. Wherever Spruce and Douglas Fir are found. There are two broods, flying from May to July and then in September and October. The larvae feed on Spruce and Douglas Fir. Found throughout Britain in suitable habitat, though less common in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.