Pale Wave
Common NamePale Wave
Scientific NameIdaea politaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, beige
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, plantain, sorrel, various low-growing plants
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'loopers' or 'inchworms' typical of Geometridae, feeding on various low-growing plants, including withered leaves. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale coloration, and the presence of a single dark discal spot on each wing, often with very faint or absent transverse lines. The overall 'washed out' appearance is characteristic.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale, often whitish or light beige wings, featuring a small, dark discal spot on each wing and sometimes very faint transverse lines.
