Dark-marked Wave
Common NameDark-marked Wave
Scientific NamePhibalapteryx virgata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorscream, dark brown
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downlands, coastal areas, heathland
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, North Africa
Host PlantsGalium verum, Galium mollugo
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on bedstraws, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa or larva.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale, speckled forewings and the characteristic dark, wavy band or patch near the outer margin, along with a small central dark spot. The hindwings are similarly pale with faint markings.
Description
A small, pale moth with cream to light brown forewings heavily speckled with dark dots, featuring a prominent dark, irregular band or patch near the outer margin and a smaller dark discal spot.
