Fauna
Insect

Common Carpet Moth

Epirrhoe alternata

Also known as White-Banded Toothed Carpet

Common carpet moths rest flat against foliage or tree trunks during the day, relying on intricate grey, black, and white banded wing patterns for effective camouflage. Caterpillars feed primarily on various species of bedstraw and cleavers before pupating in loose soil cocoons to overwinter. Adults become active at twilight, flying through gardens, hedgerows, and meadows where they frequently visit lights.

NocturnalCamouflagedMoth
Common Carpet Moth reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBedstraw (Galium spp.), Cleavers, Flower Nectar
Predators
  • Bats
  • Insectivorous Birds
  • Spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss and artificial light pollution
HabitatsWoodland edges, gardens, hedgerows, meadows, and scrubland
Life span1–2 months as adult; up to 1 year total life cycle
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyGeometridae
  3. GenusEpirrhoe
  4. SpeciesEpirrhoe alternata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Nighttime Lighting: Observe adult moths around garden lights or porch lamps after dusk.
  • Planting Host Plants: Maintain patches of native bedstraw and cleavers to encourage breeding in green spaces.
Related species
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Found in Collections

Species set

Moonlight Marvels

Common Carpet Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

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