Pretty Chalk Carpet

Pretty Chalk Carpet - Melanthia procellata

Description

Wingspan 27-32 mm. This species has chalky wings with the dark brown central cross band stopping abruptly before the middle and a white blotch in the dark brown outer border.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It occupies hedgerows and scrubland, particularly in chalky localities, and feeds on Traveller's-joy.

When to see it

There is just one generation, flying normally in July and August, but sometimes as early as June.

Life History

Larva feeds on Traveller's-joy, over-wintering as a pupa.

UK Status

Fairly common in the Southern half of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded)

Reference
70.128 BF1784

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records