Twin-spot Carpet
Mesotype didymata
This record describes Mesotype didymata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 24 to 29 mm. This species exhibits some variation, with darker forms occurring in the north, and a reddish brown subspecies hethlandica in the Shetland Isles. Areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful. The moths fly from June through to August, and can be attracted to light. The green larvae feed on a range of plants such as bilberry, willow and heather. Fairly common in places throughout the British Isles. 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
- Mesotype
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly from June through to August, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The green larvae feed on a range of plants such as bilberry, willow and heather.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common in places throughout the British Isles. 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 Mesotype didymata. 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 Twin-spot Carpet
What is Twin-spot Carpet?
Twin-spot Carpet (Mesotype didymata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Twin-spot Carpet found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful.
When is Twin-spot Carpet active?
Twin-spot Carpet: seasonal activity - The moths fly from June through to August, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Twin-spot Carpet?
The green larvae feed on a range of plants such as bilberry, willow and heather.