Identification

Compared to Red-green Carpet the forewings lack the reddish tinge of that species which also has more rounded forewings. Quality photo or specimen of spring moths for record acceptance.

Recording method

Found at ivy flowers and sallow catkins, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. The adult female overwinters and emerges again in spring. Larvae during June to August, pupating in plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on willows, birches, Alder, Lime and other broadleaved trees.

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens with trees.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Mabie Forest by Lennon who described it as ‘rather common’, also in 1862 for VC72 near Dumfries by Lennon who described it as ‘very common’ and 1897 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it to be ‘not uncommon flying at dusk, and again in spring on sallows in April’.

The adult females hibernate during the winter then emerge again in the spring although there are relatively few spring records.