Red-winged Wave Moth
Common NameRed-winged Wave Moth
Scientific NameIdaea muricata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, heathlands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Siberia, Mongolia)
Host Plantsheather, thyme, bedstraw, knotgrass, dandelion
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae overwinter and feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation typically occurs in a cocoon spun near the ground.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the vivid orange hindwings with bold black wavy markings, which are often visible even when the moth is at rest, providing a strong contrast to the more subdued brown forewings.
Description
A small moth characterized by its bright orange hindwings adorned with prominent wavy black lines, which sharply contrast with its browner, similarly patterned forewings. The body is dark brown to black.
