Geometridae : Larentiinae
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Photo © Ben Sale,  Hexton Chalk Pit, Hertfordshire (21/05/14)

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Similar Herts & Middlesex Species: None
 
Pretty Chalk Carpet
Melanthia procellata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 1784 / 70.128

General comments:
Extremely local resident.

Discussion under Small Waved Umber and The Fern are relevant to the present species which is, it seems the least tolerant of the trio - having a much greater requirement for a chalky substrate. All of the records that form the cluster of dots which extends south-westwards from the extreme eastern tip of the county at Bishops Stortford are on the Chalky Boulder Clay; those on the north and north-west boundary areas of the county are on the Upper Chalk or associated calcareous drifts. Within these two areas the Pretty Chalk Carpet is widely, but locally distributed, though rarely encountered above single figures. Stray records represent wanderers. The Pretty Chalk Carpet has apparently undergone a national population decline of 87 per cent since 1970. We have no numerical data to permit any comparison with the national trend, but we do record 17 map tetrads where there are older records but none since 1995; this represents 40 per cent of all recorded tetrads.

Recorded in 22 (54%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1887.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

< Fern | Chimney Sweeper >

List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
30/05/2024120TL12 - Hitchin (S) / Whitwell
10/08/2022120TL43 - Meesden / Barley
13/07/2022120TL43 - Meesden / Barley
22/06/2022120TL21 - Welwyn Garden City
21/06/2022120TL12 - Hitchin (S) / Whitwell
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Pretty Chalk Carpet
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Copyright © Lepidoptera UK 2024
   

VC20 VC21 VC21 VC20
Click Map for Details
Forewing: 16-18mm.
Flight: One generation June-Aug.
Foodplant:   Traveller's-joy
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
BAP Status: Declining (Research only)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
© hertsmiddxmoths.uk 2024 NOLA®; Database using MapMate® Digital Maps © Bartholomew 2010. Design © Jim Wheeler 2024
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