Species Insects & ArthropodsFlame Carpet Moth

Flame Carpet Moth

Xanthorhoe ferrugata

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Flame Carpet Moth (Xanthorhoe ferrugata)

The Flame Carpet is a small, attractively patterned geometrid moth with reddish-orange and white cross-bands on its wings, giving it a vivid, flame-like appearance. It flies in two generations per year and is attracted to light. The inchworm caterpillar feeds on bedstraws and plantains in low vegetation.

Habitat
Gardens, meadows, woodland edges, and hedgerows
Diet
Larvae: bedstraws, plantains, and low-growing herbs. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

Best time to see a Flame Carpet Moth

The best time to see a Flame Carpet Moth is July–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,941 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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