Mullein Wave
Common NameMullein Wave
Scientific NameScopula marginepunctata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorswhite, grey, brown
HabitatGardens, meadows, woodland edges, open grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsVerbascum, Taraxacum, Polygonum aviculare, Galium
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender, typically green or brown, and feed on various herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the pale, 'dusty' appearance with numerous fine dark speckles and subtle wavy cross-lines on the wings. The small size and fringed wing margins are also characteristic.
Description
A small, delicate moth with white to pale cream wings, finely speckled with dark grey or brown, and faint wavy cross-lines. The wing margins are distinctly fringed.
