70.052 BF1725

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata

(Clerck, 1759)

Wingspan 18-22 mm.

For many years, it was thought the way to separate this species from Red Twin-spot Carpet was to look for a distinct 'notch' in the whitish line on the inner edge of the dark central band. However, this has recently been proven to be unreliable as a dermining factor. Red Twin-spot Carpet tends to have more distinct whitish bands either side of the central dark band, but the different forms of both species make this a difficult pair to separate visually.

Relatively common throughout, the moths fly in May and June, and again in August. Further north there is usually only one brood, in June and July.

The larval diet consists of a variety of low plants.