About Perizoma taeniata (Stephens, 1831)
Perizoma taeniata (Stephens, 1831), also commonly known as the barred carpet and sometimes referred to as Martania taeniata, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. This species was first formally described by James Francis Stephens in 1831, and it can be found across large portions of the Palearctic realm. The wingspan of this moth ranges from 19 to 28 mm. The base colour of the forewings is ochreous, and they feature a dark central band. Individuals of this species are highly variable in size, wing pattern, and colouration. A distinct large white or whitish spot located in the middle of the forewing distal margin sets this species apart from its closest related species. This moth produces one generation per year, with adults active on the wing during July and August. In the wild, the larvae most likely feed on a wide range of moss species. They have successfully been reared in captivity on a variety of other plants, including Taraxacum officinale, Stellaria media, and Polygonum aviculare. Larvae of this species can be found from August to June, and the species overwinters in its larval stage.
