Idaea longaria
Common NameIdaea longaria
Scientific NameIdaea longaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending into parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Achillea, various low-growing herbaceous plants (often withered leaves)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are polyphagous, feeding on low-growing herbaceous plants, often preferring withered leaves. The species typically overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively uniform light grey-brown coloration, fine dark speckling, and often indistinct wavy crosslines. A small, dark discal spot is usually present on the forewing.
Description
A small, slender-bodied moth with mottled light grey-brown wings, finely speckled with darker scales and faint, wavy crosslines.
