About Colostygia olivata (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Colostygia olivata, commonly known as the beech-green carpet, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775, and it can be found across most of the Palearctic realm. This species has a wingspan ranging from 22 to 27 millimetres, or 0.87 to 1.06 inches. Freshly emerged adults have green forewings, marked with a darker brown central band that grows narrower toward the center of the wing. This brown band is bordered by a wavy white line. The hindwings are smoky grey and feature a pale crossline. The larvae of this species are stout, slightly tapered at both ends, and wrinkled, with clearly visible tubercles and setae. Their base color is reddish-ochreous or brownish ochreous, with an interrupted grey dorsal line. Most of the lateral and ventral surfaces are dull reddish, and the tubercles are black. The pupa is relatively stout, bright red or red-brown overall, with a darker colored abdomen. Adult moths fly in a single generation from May to August. The larvae feed on plants from the genus Galium, and can be found from September through May.
