Purple-bordered Wave
Common NamePurple-bordered Wave
Scientific NameIdaea ostrinaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorslight brown, ochre, purplish-brown
HabitatDry open habitats, heathland, chalk grassland, coastal areas, sandy areas
Geographic RangeWestern and Southern Europe, North Africa
Host Plantsheather, thyme, gorse, broom
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and twig-like, feeding on various low-growing plants. They overwinter as larvae, pupating in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale ground color, and the distinctive purplish-brown wavy lines and marginal band. The specific pattern of the cross-lines and the extent of the purplish suffusion are key features.
Description
A small moth with a pale ochre to light brown ground color, characterized by prominent purplish-brown wavy cross-lines and a broad purplish-brown band along the outer margin of all wings.
