Photo © Keith Tailby

Red Carpet

Xanthorhoe decoloraria

Checklist Number
70.048 [B&F: 1723]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Larentiinae
Genus:Xanthorhoe
Species:decoloraria
Authority:(Esper, [1806])

Common on high moorland and rocky hillsides, up to 900 m in the uplands of North Wales, the Pennines, Cumbria and Scotland, including the Hebrides and Orkney, down to sea level in the far north, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-34 mm. Distinguished from similar species by diagonal streak at the apex of the forewing. Larva feeds on Lady's-mantle.