About Dysstroma truncata (Hufnagel, 1767)
The common marbled carpet, with scientific name Dysstroma truncata, is a moth species in the Geometridae family. It is sometimes classified under the genus Chloroclysta instead. It is very widespread and common across the Palearctic region and the Near East. Johann Siegfried Hufnagel first described this species in 1767. It is one of the most variable geometrid species, in both size and colour. Its wingspan ranges from 32 to 39 mm. On the forewings, the basal and terminal areas bear fascia, separated by a large plain area in the centre. The colouration of all these areas is extremely variable, ranging from white to black with intermediate shades of grey, brown and red. In contrast, the hindwings are always pale grey, with faint fascia. Some forms of this species closely resemble Dysstroma citrata. The species produces one or two generations per year, and adults can be observed between May and November in the British Isles; this flight season may differ in other parts of the species' range. Adults fly at night and are attracted to light. They are also attracted to nectar-rich flowers and sugary foods, a trait that is fairly uncommon among members of this family. The larvae are slender and green, usually marked with reddish stripes. Larvae have been recorded feeding on a wide range of plant species. The species overwinters in the larval stage.
