Monilata Wave
Common NameMonilata Wave
Scientific NameIdaea moniliata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale brown, cream, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Galium, Plantago, various low-growing herbaceous plants and detritus
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and twig-like, feeding on various low plants or detritus, and typically overwinter. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale ground color, the wavy transverse lines, and the prominent, often dark, subterminal dots on both wings, which give it a 'necklace-like' appearance. The wing margins are often slightly scalloped.
Description
A small, pale yellowish-brown moth characterized by intricate wavy dark brown lines across its wings and a distinctive series of dark dots along the subterminal area of both forewings and hindwings.
