1768 Thera obeliscata (Grey Pine Carpet)

Geometridae, Larentiinae - Wingspan: 26-34mm.

This small "Carpet" is a common species throughout the UK, occurring where-ever Pine Trees are. A non-descript brown, it can often be found as faded specimens. It usually occurs in the same environment as the 1769 Spruce Carpet, shown next, and specimens can sometimes be difficult to differentiate. Both species, when disturbed, keep their wings closed like butterflies, and will take some time to settle enough to flatten them outward to be able to attempt an identification. However in most cases, this species has a narrower cross-wing band, particularly in the posterior section of the Fore-wing, and there is no prominent wavy white line near the outside edge of the fore-wings.

The flight season for this species is wide, with specimens recorded in Cornwall from April to November, with odd specimens seen in March and December on mild years. Two generations occur, peaking broadly in June and October. Although widespread throughout Cornwall, numbers seem to indicate that it is more numerous in the west of the county.