Packard's Wave
Common NamePackard's Wave
Scientific NameIdaea packardata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorstan, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, open fields, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsclover, dandelion, plantain, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a larva. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon, and there are typically two or three broods per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, dull tan coloration, the presence of small, dark discal spots on all four wings, and faint, wavy lines across the wings. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend with bark or dead leaves.
Description
A small, dull yellowish-brown or tan moth with a mottled appearance, featuring small dark discal spots on each wing and faint, wavy transverse lines. Its body is somewhat hairy.
