Idaea chotaria
Common NameIdaea chotaria
Scientific NameIdaea chotaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorslight grey, beige, dark brown, black
HabitatMontane forests, subalpine regions, and areas with herbaceous vegetation in the Himalayas.
Geographic RangeHimalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan)
Host PlantsUnknown, likely polyphagous on low-growing herbaceous plants or detritus
Flight PeriodSummer months (e.g., June to August)
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLike other Geometridae, the larvae are 'inchworms' or 'loopers,' moving with a characteristic looping gait. They typically feed on plants and pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguishing features include its small size, the pale greyish-brown ground color, the intricate pattern of wavy dark lines, and the prominent, somewhat irregular blackish blotches on the outer part of both forewings and hindwings. The slightly scalloped wing margins are also characteristic.
Description
A small, pale greyish-brown moth with a mottled appearance, featuring several wavy, darker brown transverse lines and distinct blackish blotches, especially towards the outer margins of the wings.
