Celtic Wave
Common NameCeltic Wave
Scientific NameMesotype virgata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorstan, brown, dark brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, coastal areas, chalk downland
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, including the British Isles
Host PlantsGalium verum, Galium mollugo
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed on various species of bedstraws, particularly Lady's Bedstraw. The species typically has two generations per year, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic wavy dark lines across the pale wings and the overall mottled, cryptic appearance. The presence of a reddish-brown suffusion on the hindwings can also be a helpful identifier.
Description
A small moth with a pale tan to light brown ground color, featuring distinct wavy dark brown transverse lines and speckling across its wings, often with a reddish-brown patch on the hindwings.
