Laned Wave
Common NameLaned Wave
Scientific NameIdaea aversata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, grasslands, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, dock, chickweed, bedstraw
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are slender, brownish 'looper' caterpillars that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale brown, mottled wings with one or two prominent darker wavy lines, particularly a central band that often continues across both forewing and hindwing when the moth is at rest. A form without the central band (f. *remutata*) also exists.
Description
A small, pale brown moth with mottled wings, featuring distinctive darker wavy lines or bands across both forewings and hindwings. The wing margins are often fringed with a slightly darker, speckled pattern.
