t e e h s t c a f

Grey Carpet griseata

Conservation status Priority Species in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Section 41 (NERC Act, 2006).

Flixweed

This is one of several largely or entirely confined as a breeding species to the Brecks of East Anglia, two of which, the Spotted Sulphur Acontia trabealis and Viper’s Bugloss Hadena irregularis , became extinct n Larval record from in the 20th century. At the beginning of the current millennium there 2000 onwards was believed to be less than a handful of sites where the Grey Carpet l Adult record from occurred in good numbers. The forewing colour of this geometrid 2000 onwards (looper ) is aptly described by its name.

This is a species that requires regular rotational disturbance of the soil surface to maintain the early successional stages needed for good stands of its foodplant. The moth has been adversely affected by the establishment of conifer plantations on previously open breckland and the loss or fragmentation of suitable habitat through agricultural changes and development has impacted upon this moth.

Foodplants The larva feeds on the seedpods of Flixweed . Reports of an association with Treacle-mustard have not been confirmed.

Habitat Associated with field margins, especially the margins of arable crops such as sugar beet, carrots, onions etc. Also found on fields that have been left fallow, roadside verges, and other disturbed ground, such as recently established or cleared plantations, where its foodplant abounds.

Life cycle Single-brooded. The eggs are laid in batches. The larva feeds up fairly quickly, often being fully grown by early August. Pupation takes place in a cocoon usually in sandy soil where it overwinters, and this stage can last two to four years.

JFMAMJJASOND Egg Larva Pupa Adult Habitat management for the Grey Carpet

This species is one of many that require early successional habitat on an annual basis. The aim should be to reduce fragmentation and link areas with frequently disturbed soil surfaces supporting good stands of Flixweed and other vegetation characteristic of the Brecks. This will need a rotational approach, disturbing an area and leaving this for two or three years, whilst disturbing other areas nearby in successive years. Soil type may be important, so priority should be given to those areas, or those adjacent, supporting Flixweed. Sites supporting Bracken Pteridium aquilinum , Wood Small-reed Calamagrostis epigejos and Sand Sedge Carex arenaria may require control of these species prior to disturbance. u Regular rotational disturbance of the soil surface, with rotovation being particularly effective. u Avoid the use of pesticides and fertilisers, particularly near field margins.

A wide range of other invertebrates, many scarce or threatened, will benefit from similar management. Examples include the Forester Adscita statices (a UK BAP Priority moth) which can benefit from the increase in nectar sources; the Five-banded Weevil-wasp Cerceris quinquefasciata (UK BAP), which nests in bare sand; and the very rare Breckland Robberfly Machimus arthriticus, with larvae that develop as predators in sandy soil.

How to survey/monitor The adult comes to light from dusk onwards, sometimes in numbers, and can also be readily disturbed from vegetation by day. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the transient nature of its habitat, the moth is frequently recorded away from suitable breeding sites. The larvae can be found on, or swept from, the foodplant by day.

above Rotovation of a ground disturbance top Field margin habitat in the Brecks with abundant nectar sources plot in the Brecks middle Field margin habitat for the Grey Carpet bottom Grey Carpet larva

This leaflet has Head Office Manor Yard East Lulworth Wareham Dorset BH20 5QP been produced with funding from Telephone: 01929 400209 Email: [email protected] Natural England www.butterfly-conservation.org

Compiled by Mark Parsons, with assistance from Steven Falk (Buglife), Sharon Hearle & Tony Davis. The map was produced by Les Hill (Butterfly Conservation). Data were provided from the National Moth Recording Scheme, courtesy of Butterfly Conservation. Map produced by MapMate™ using Digital Map Data © HarperCollins-Bartholomew 2013. Photographs by Sam Ellis, Sharon Hearle, Mark Parsons & Tony Prichard. Butterfly Conservation. Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (2206468). Registered office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP. Charity registered in England and Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268). February 2013. Designed by www. nectar creative.com 01942 681648.