Small Fan-footed Wave
Common NameSmall Fan-footed Wave
Scientific NameIdaea biselata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorscream, grey, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, knotgrass, chickweed
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are slender and brownish, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale coloration, and the characteristic faint wavy cross-lines. Males possess distinctive tufts of scales on their hind legs, giving rise to the 'fan-footed' name, though this is not visible in typical resting photos.
Description
A small, delicate moth with a pale creamy-white to yellowish ground color, adorned with faint, wavy greyish-brown cross-lines and a small dark discal spot on each wing.
