70.104 BF1751 – Devon Carpet – Geometridae – Lampropteryx otregiata
Devon Carpet – Geometridae – Larentiinae – Lampropteryx otregiata – colour code •
STATUS – Last recorded August 2023. The first record was one specimen in 1984 from a wood near Ashbourne. The next record was one trapped in August 2011 from a wood near Darley Dale and then 2 more from the same site in May 2012. The next (5th record) was from a garden in Darley Dale in August 2013. So there seems to be a small and localised colony in central Derbyshire. Recent records from Cromford in 2022 and Buxton in May 2023. Maybe expanding range north-eastwards. Good numbers were recorded from Glossop, wherever there was wet woodland habitat, during 2022 to 2023.
ID POINTERS – The moth is very much like a small version of Water Carpet, but forewing is less tapering and more rounded with a paler and less contrasting central band. The outer edge, first third of central cross-band, is straighter than Water Carpet and the inner edge is irregular with less sharp indentations.Christian Heintzen has commented as follows – “I find the tapered, tongue-shaped outline of the forewing the most easily recognisable feature in the field. Devon Carpet is also significantly smaller than Water Carpet but without comparison that is sometimes difficult to judge”.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing between May – June and August – September
IMAGES – Glossop, Derbyshire 2022 & 2023 – Christian Heintzen© has produced some stunning images and identification comparisons below.
Darley Dale, Derbyshire – Images by Simon Roddis© 2013, Andy Butler© 2011 – Christian Heintzen© 2022 & 2023 and Steve Orridge© May 2023.
Darley Dale – Trapped – August 2013 – Simon Roddis©
Darley Dale – Trapped 27th August 2011 – 2nd record for Derbyshire – Andy Butler©
