70.068 Mesoleuca albiciliata (Beautiful Carpet)
fw: 15-18mm; May-Aug; blackberry, raspberry (Rubus fruticosus/idaea) and others; common in woodland in England, Wales and S.Scotland
ID: Other species with a dark mantle (basal fascia + thorax) and an extensively white forewing are Melanthia procellata (Pretty Chalk Carpet) and Ligdia adustata (Scorched Carpet). In M.procellata the dark costal mark is the costal portion of an otherwise obsolete central cross-band - it is in the centre of the costa and has a white band distal to it. In L.adustata the dark costal mark is in the subterminal position (as in M.albiciliata) but it continues as a complete cross-band reaching the dorsum.
§1 Upton Fen, Norfolk; 09/06/2008 (removed, worn)
§2 Cliburn Moss, Cumbria; 24/06/2019; female; fw 15.6mm
§3 Leworthy, Devon; 26/07/2021; male; fw 15.8mm
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Cliburn Moss, Cumbria; 24/06/2019; female; fw 15.6mm
§3 Leworthy, Devon; 26/07/2021; male; fw 15.8mm
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 13/04/2013 (§1) | §1 removed and §2 added 16/02/2020 | §3 added 20/08/2021