Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Common.

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Red-green Carpet and Beech-green Carpet.

Recording method

Can be found at Ivy flowers and sallow catkins. Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an adult, though female only.  Larvae June to August. Pupates in plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Willows, birches, Alder, limes 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’.