Idaea halmaea
Common NameIdaea halmaea
Scientific NameIdaea halmaea
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale brown, reddish-brown, beige
HabitatDry, warm, often rocky or sandy areas, garrigue, maquis, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host Plantsvarious low-growing herbaceous plants, dry leaves
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (looper caterpillar), pupa, adult. Larvae are polyphagous on low-growing plants.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale ground color with indistinct darker speckling and faint transverse lines, and the characteristic reddish-pink fringe on all wings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale brown to beige wings, speckled with darker reddish-brown markings and a distinctive reddish-pink fringe along the wing margins.
