Silky Wave
Common NameSilky Wave
Scientific NameIdaea dilutaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbeige, light brown, grey
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, open woodlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus serpyllum, Calluna vulgaris, Galium spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and twig-like, feeding on low-growing plants and overwintering before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, pale ground color, and the distinctive series of wavy, dark transverse lines, especially the prominent postmedian line on both forewings and hindwings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale, sandy-beige wings marked by several fine, wavy, dark greyish-brown transverse lines, providing excellent camouflage.
