Plain Wave
Common NamePlain Wave
Scientific NameIdaea incisaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatDry grasslands, open woodlands, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Cytisus, Genista, Erica, Rumex, Plantago
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'looper' caterpillars, feeding on various low-growing plants and detritus. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively plain, mottled grey appearance with fine speckling and often indistinct wavy lines, setting it apart from other similar 'wave' moths.
Description
A small, delicate moth with a pale greyish-white ground color, finely speckled with darker grey or black, and often exhibiting faint wavy cross-lines across its wings.
