Galium Carpet - Epirrhoe galiata

Wingspan 28 to 32 mm. The species has a broad central bar of brown and greyish blue on a silvery white background.

A bedstraw (Galium) feeding species, this moth is to be found on lime and chalk downland, grassy heathland and sea-cliffs where bedstraw is present.

In the south there are two generations, whereas further north there is generally only one, but the adults are on the wing mainly between June and August.

It has a preference for coastal sites, but is also found inland. It occurs throughout England and Wales, though locally, and is scarcer in Ireland and Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).