Least Carpet

Appearance

''Idaea rusticata'' has a wingspan of 19–21 mm. The length of the forewings is 9–11 mm. The edges of the wings are fringed. The basic color is whitish or cream, sometimes with a very light brownish tone. The upperside of the frontwings shows in the midfiled a dark brown to red-brown transverse drawing, with a point-shaped black spot, always within the dark field. This brown marking runs from the front to the rear edge. The upperside of the hindwings is light gray, with darker gray transversal lines. The base of the anterior margin is darkened brown. Also in the hindwings is presents a black point in the discal cell.

The eggs are oval and relatively small. The caterpillar is rather short, becomes thinner towards the hind end, and shows distinct constrictions. It is gray-brown or brown and has a narrow, light line on the back. The abdomen is brightly colored. The head is small and black colored. The pupa is light brown and has a glossy surface.

Distribution

This species can be found in most of Europe, in the Near East and in North Africa. Of all moths in Britain it showed the greatest percentage increase in abundance during the period 1968 to 2007, and expanded its range beyond the vicinity of London.

Behavior

It is usually an univoltine species. In Southern Europe, under favorable circumstances, a second generation can also be formed. The second generation is significantly smaller. The adults fly at night from July to August, and are attracted to light. The larvae mainly feed on ivy and traveller's joy . and withered leaves of other herbaceous plants.

#^ ''The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.''

Habitat

These moths inhabit wastelands, open places, parks and well exposed gardens.