Water Carpet
Lampropteryx suffumata
This record describes Lampropteryx suffumata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 32 mm. Quite a handsome brown marked species. A number of variations or aberrations occur. It can be found in woodland, grassy areas, chalk downland and scrubland. A spring flying species, the adults of this moth are on the wing in April and May. It is fairly well distributed and reasonably common over most 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Cidariini
- Genus
- Lampropteryx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found in woodland, grassy areas, chalk downland and scrubland.
Seasonal Activity
A spring flying species, the adults of this moth are on the wing in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Bedstraw.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly well distributed and reasonably common over most 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 Lampropteryx suffumata. 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 Water Carpet (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Carpet
What is Water Carpet?
Water Carpet (Lampropteryx suffumata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Water Carpet found?
Habitat: It can be found in woodland, grassy areas, chalk downland and scrubland.
When is Water Carpet active?
Water Carpet: seasonal activity - A spring flying species, the adults of this moth are on the wing in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Water Carpet?
The larvae feed on Bedstraw.