Pallid Grey
Common NamePallid Grey
Scientific NameIdaea pallidata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsgrey, white, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, scrub
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, thyme, bedstraw, plantain, dock
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms,' feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguishable by its small size, pale ground color, and the characteristic mottled grey-brown banding, which provides excellent camouflage. Often rests with wings spread flat.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with pale greyish-white wings heavily mottled and banded with darker grey and brown markings, often with a small dark discal spot on each wing.
