Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet vs Puss Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Puss Moth
Scientific Name Xanthorhoe ferrugata Cerura vinula
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Notodontidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 58-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

A common but variable carpet moth found in gardens and hedgerows. Wing pattern ranges from pale to very dark. Larvae feed on bedstraws and other low plants.

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Did You Know?

So variable in appearance that dark and light forms were once described as separate species.

Puss Moth

A furry white moth whose caterpillar has whip-like tail filaments and sprays formic acid.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar can shoot a jet of formic acid from a gland behind its head.