Flame Carpet - Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland

Xanthorhoe designata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Description: Wingspan 25-28mm. Adults (which are often variable in colour) are mainly pale grey with a distinctive reddish brown central band, which is normally darker towards the basal area.

Key Identification Features:

Reddish brown central band narrower towards the centre
Small darkish patches near apex of forewings

Sets:

Flight Period: The beginning of April to the end of September.

Status: Common and widespread throughout southern counties becoming scarcer north of Lough Neagh. Recorded from Rathlin Island, Antrim.

Ecology: A common species associated with a variety of habitats notably damp woodland, meadows, hedgerows and suburban gardens. Adults come frequently to light in moderate numbers. The larvae can be found from July to September on various species of crucifer. It overwinters as a pupa.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1722 Agassiz number: 70.053

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar:

Thompson, R. S. & Nelson, B., 2003 (Oct 2). [In] The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland
http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/lepidoptera/species.asp?item=5795

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