Occitanian Wave
Common NameOccitanian Wave
Scientific NameCalamodes occitanaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatDry, warm areas, scrubland, rocky slopes, open woodland
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa
Host PlantsGenista, Cytisus, Ulex
Flight PeriodApril to June, July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on broom and gorse species, pupa, and adult. Typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its cryptic brown and grey mottling with multiple wavy transverse lines, especially the prominent dark lines on both forewings and hindwings, which help it blend into its environment.
Description
This medium-sized moth has broad, wavy-edged wings mottled in shades of brown and grey, featuring several distinct dark, wavy transverse lines across both forewings and hindwings.
