Photo © Keith Tailby
White-banded Carpet
Spargania luctuata
Checklist Number70.073 [B&F: 1786]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Subfamily: | Larentiinae |
| Genus: | Spargania |
| Species: | luctuata |
| Authority: | ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) |
Nationally scarce (Na) in woodland rides and clearings in parts of south-eastern England. In the 1950s, became established in south-eastern Kent, also in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, and in one or two places in Sussex. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 29-34 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on Rosebay Willowherb and occasionally on other willowherb species, over-wintering as a pupa.
