70.073 BF1786

White-banded Carpet Spargania luctuata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan c.30-34 mm.

A scarce species, first discovered in Britain in 1924, in Kent. It is now locally established in a number of localities in the south-east, and occasional wanderers are found elsewhere.

It occupies woodland habitats, flies in two generations, May and June and from mid July to August and is readily attracted to light.

Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) is the foodplant of the caterpillar, which has both green and brown color forms.