70.048 (BF1723)

Red Carpet   

Xanthorhoe decoloraria
Macro
Geometridae
Adult: 2
Resident, scarce, local. UK BAP Priority Species. A northern, upland species occurring in northern Wales, northern England and throughout Scotland. In Dumfries and Galloway it is mainly found in the northern and upland areas.

Identification

It is very similar to Flame Carpet but that species has two projections on the outer edge of the cross-band as opposed to one on Red Carpet.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva, during August to May, with pupation in a cocoon which has been formed in plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Lady’s Mantle and probably other herbaceous plants.

Habitat

Red Carpet is found on upland heaths and grassland with rocky outcrops. Records are few probably due to the habitat and lack of recording there.

History 1860-2010

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway for VC72 near Moffat by Somerville, for VC74 in 1896 from Corsemalzie by Gordon and for VC73 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.

103 record(s) from 32 hectad(s) in D&G

VC74 VC73 VC72
Last recorded 1911 2021 2018

 UK Moths website - further information on species (with photos)

 East Scotland Butterfly Conservation website - national distribution maps and phenology

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