70.083 BF1771a – Cypress Carpet – Geometridae – Thera cupressata
Cypress Carpet – Geometridae – Larentiinae – Thera cupressata – colour code • •
STATUS – Last recorded June 2020 – No previous records. This specimen appears to represent the first county record of this resident (recent colonist) and suspected immigrant in Britain. It is uncommon and was first recorded in mainland Britain in 1984. Distribution seems restricted to southern and south west England. This specimen, an import possibly from a nearby garden centre or plant nursery? The specimen was trapped by Paul Buxton in his garden in Long Eaton on 26th June 2020. A second record has been sent to me by Peter Hendry, when he recorded one on 1st July 2020 from his Hilton garden. This moth remains a rare species in the county.
ID POINTERS – Identified from related species by a more streaky appearance with an incomplete central band. Grey-brown base colour with longitudinal streaks extending from the discal area to the apex of the forewing.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing late June – July and second generation October – November.
IMAGES – Image by Peter Hendry© / 2nd Image – Long Eaton by Paul Buxton©
