Ash-coloured Wave
Common NameAsh-coloured Wave
Scientific NameScopula asellaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsbrown, pinkish, grey
HabitatDeciduous and mixed woodlands, often damp areas
Geographic RangeEurope, including British Isles, parts of Asia
Host PlantsBirch, Aspen, Willow, Hawthorn
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae overwintering. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its variable ash-grey to reddish-brown coloration, finely speckled appearance, and often faint wavy cross-lines. Careful examination of markings and overall hue is needed to differentiate it from similar Scopula species.
Description
A small, delicate moth with broad, rounded wings, typically ash-grey to reddish-brown, finely speckled with darker scales, and often showing faint wavy cross-lines and a small discal spot. The wing margins are fringed with fine hairs.
