Benitaria Wave
Common NameBenitaria Wave
Scientific NameScopula benitaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorspale cream, light brown, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, grasslands, open woodlands, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico
Host Plantsvarious low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are slender 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on herbaceous plants, pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall pale, somewhat translucent appearance, the delicate wavy transverse lines, and the distinct small black discal spots on all four wings. The slender body and broad, rounded wings are typical of the genus.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale cream to light beige wings adorned with several faint, wavy, light brown transverse lines and small, dark discal spots on each wing.
