Obsolete Wave
Common NameObsolete Wave
Scientific NameIdaea obsoletaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorssandy-brown, pale yellow
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, sandy areas, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Lotus, Plantago, Rumex
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'looper' caterpillars, typical of geometer moths, and feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale, often uniform sandy coloration and the presence of small, dark marginal dots. Can be difficult to differentiate from other similar *Idaea* species without close examination of markings or genitalia.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale sandy-brown to yellowish wings, often faintly speckled with darker scales and a series of small dark dots along the outer margins.
