Idaea coercita
Common NameIdaea coercita
Scientific NameIdaea coercita
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale grey-brown, sandy brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, sandy areas, open scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey)
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Erica, Rumex, Plantago, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine or multivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'looper' caterpillars that feed on various low-growing plants, often preferring dry leaves. They typically overwinter as larvae or pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall pale, somewhat sandy coloration and the specific pattern of faint, wavy transverse lines. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other *Idaea* species.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale grey-brown wings, often with a sandy or ochreous tint, marked by faint, wavy darker transverse lines and a small dark discal spot on the forewings.
