Red Twin-spot Carpet - Xanthorhoe spadicearia

Wingspan 24-27 mm. Similar to Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, but more common in VC55. The presence or absence of a notch on the inner edge of the median fascia close to the costa is no longer considered a reliable character to separate the two species. Any individual showing a reddish tones in the median fascia is very likely to be Red Twin-spot Carpet. The underside of the forewing differs between the two species and can be checked in fresh individuals, showing a contrasting pattern with deep ginger colouration towards the apex and being uniformly grey with little contrast in Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet. Both species come in differing forms, however a reddish form of Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet does seem to be much scarcer than a darker form of Red Twin-spot Carpet, and is unlikely to be prevalent in any population.

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

Individuals that are very worn should either be dissected or ignored.

Gardens, woodland, hedgerows, downs, fens, moors and sand-dunes.

May to June and again in July and August in the south. In more northern parts there is only one brood in June and July.

The larvae feed on low-growing plants such as Knotgrass and Bedstraw.

Found fairly commonly throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)