Rufous Wave
Common NameRufous Wave
Scientific NameIdaea rufaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale yellow, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, North Africa
Host Plantsheather, thyme, bedstraw, plantain
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants and overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform rufous-ochreous ground color, faint wavy crosslines, and small size. The discal spots are usually present but often inconspicuous.
Description
A small, pale yellowish-brown moth with faint, wavy reddish-brown crosslines and a small dark discal spot on each wing. The fringes are concolorous with the wings.
