Base-lined Grey
Common NameBase-lined Grey
Scientific NameCabera exanthemata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)31.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, fens, gardens, often near birch and alder
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia Minor, Siberia, Mongolia, Japan
Host Plantsbirch, alder
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species is univoltine or bivoltine, with larvae feeding on birch and alder leaves. Larvae are slender and twig-like, overwintering as pupae in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall mottled greyish-white appearance with faint, wavy cross-lines. The hindwings are similarly patterned to the forewings, and it is generally greyer and more mottled than the similar Common White Wave.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a mottled grey, white, and brown pattern, providing excellent camouflage against bark or lichen. Its wings feature faint, wavy cross-lines.
