Rusty Wave
Common NameRusty Wave
Scientific NameIdaea inquinata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown
HabitatGardens, urban areas, waste ground, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America (Pacific Northwest)
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, various low-growing herbaceous plants (especially dried leaves)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and brownish, feeding on withered or dried leaves of various low-growing plants. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, overall pale sandy-brown ground color, and the distinctive mottled, speckled pattern with indistinct wavy lines. It often rests with wings flattened, blending into its surroundings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale yellowish-brown wings heavily mottled and speckled with darker brown scales, often showing faint wavy cross-lines. Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage.
