Identification

Care needed in separating from Dark Marbled Carpet from July onwards when Common Marbled Carpet emerges. Check hindwing for central cross-line which are more rounded and at an obtuse angle, compared to Dark Marbled Carpet.

Recording method

Readily disturbed by day, visits sugar, blackberries and ivy flowers, readily comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during September to May, pupation taking place on the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

A wide variety of woody plants, such as sallow, birches, bramble, hawthorn, privet and heathers.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats with many foodplants, but mainly woody species.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1820 for VC72 at Raehills by Little, in 1898 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon where it was ‘common’ and in 1942 for VC73 at Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.