Common Marbled Carpet

The Common Marbled Carpet is a common and variable species. There are two broods, flying in May and June, and again from August to October, sometimes later into the year. The eggs that have been laid by moths of the second generation hatch in August. These larvae will start eating immediately, but their growth is slow. In September they will stop eating and go into hibernation. In March or April the following year they will start to eat again and will pupate in May. Pupation takes a short while only and the first moths of the new generation will appear later in May. These moths will mainly lay their eggs in June. The resulting caterpillars will grow incredibly fast and can pupate within three weeks.

They feed on trees like Birch and Willow, various shrubs and low growing plants. It is easily disturbed during the day, but will only fly by night. It is attracted to light.

Found throughout Britain in a wide range of habitats.