Cypress Carpet - Thera cupressata

Wingspan 26 to 29 mm. Similar to Juniper Carpet but with a series of dark streaks near the apex of the forewing.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Parks and gardens where the foodplants Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress occur.

The moths fly in May and June, with a second generation in August and September.

It feeds on Monterey cypress and Leyland cypress.

First found in West Sussex in 1984, this species has now become established in parts of southern England, such as the Isle of Wight, Hampshire and Dorset and may be spreading north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

First record for Leicestershire and Rutland came from Barrow-upon-Soar in October 2021.