Caithness Moths - Common Marbled Carpet

http://forum.caithness.org/picture.p...&pictureid=966

http://forum.caithness.org/picture.p...&pictureid=967

As the two images in this posting show, Common Marbled Carpet is a very variable moth and can be tricky to separate from the equally variable Dark Marbled Carpet. Although very dark the lower image is Common not Dark Marbled Carpet. Two of the key identification features separating the two species are the pattern of the lower edge of the lower cross-line and the shape of the cross-line on the underside of the hind wing. Both species are found in a range of habitats but are commonest in woodland. The adult Common Marbled emerges earlier than Dark Marbled at the beginning of July, but there is an overlap in August. The larvae feed on a variety of woody plants and the species over winters as a small larva.