Pale Wave
Common NamePale Wave
Scientific NameIdaea macilentaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale beige, brown, black
HabitatDamp meadows, fens, marshes, riverbanks, damp woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low plants, often preferring withered leaves. They overwinter as larvae, pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively uniform pale coloration, distinct but faint wavy transverse lines, and heavy dark speckling across all wings. The overall 'washed-out' appearance helps differentiate it from similar *Idaea* species.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale, off-white to light beige wings heavily speckled with dark scales and marked with several faint, wavy, brownish transverse lines.
