Flecked Wave Moth
Common NameFlecked Wave Moth
Scientific NameScopula tessellaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorspale grey, light brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, heathland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, knotgrass, bedstraw, clover
Flight PeriodMay to September (two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and brownish, overwintering before pupating in a flimsy cocoon near the ground in spring. Adults emerge in two generations.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale coloration, the characteristic fine wavy transverse lines across the wings, and a series of black dots along the outer edge of both forewings and hindwings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale greyish-brown wings adorned with intricate, fine wavy darker lines and scattered dark flecks, often with a distinctive row of black dots along the wing margins.
