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Common Carpet Moth

Epirrhoe alternata

The Common Carpet Moth is a small, fluffy moth that loves to flutter around at night. It has beautiful patterns on its wings that help it blend in with its surroundings, making it a little magician of disguise!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Common Carpet Moth has forewings that are greyish-white with a distinctive broad blackish-brown central band. This band is bordered by wavy white lines, and a small black spot can be seen within it. Its hindwings are paler with faint markings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusEpirrhoe
Common Carpet Moth
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Common Carpet Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Carpet moth caterpillars can wiggle backward surprisingly fast!

Its caterpillars are often striped, looking like tiny zebras!

Some adult moths don't eat at all; they live off stored energy!

These moths can taste sweet things with their feet!

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Blending

Common Carpet Moth has intricate grey and brown wing patterns that help them disappear against tree bark or rocks, avoiding hungry predators.

Ability

Plant Power Muncher

Its caterpillars can rapidly consume leaves from specific plants, allowing them to grow quickly and prepare for metamorphosis.

Ability

Night Navigator

The Common Carpet Moth can navigate and fly during the dim hours of dusk and night, which helps them find mates and avoid many daytime threats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-28 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

As caterpillars, they munch on plants, but adult moths do not eat, living off energy from their younger days!

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on plant leaves, but adult moths do not feed, relying on energy reserves.

Primary Foods

  • Galium aparine
  • Galium mollugo
  • Rubia peregrina

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Cleavers

Galium aparine

Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of this common plant.

eaten by

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Adult moths are often hunted by these nocturnal insectivores.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Bird species like this prey on moth caterpillars and adults.

eaten by

European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

Moths can become ensnared in spider webs, providing a meal.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Carpet Moth's wingspan?

20-28 mm

How big is Common Carpet Moth?

10-15 mm

How long does Common Carpet Moth live?

7-21 days

What does Common Carpet Moth eat?

As caterpillars, they munch on plants, but adult moths do not eat, living off energy from their younger days!

Where is Common Carpet Moth usually found?

Urban areas

How does Common Carpet Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Common Carpet Moth have?

6

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