Small Waved Umber
Common NameSmall Waved Umber
Scientific NameMesotype parallelolineata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, pale grey, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsGalium, bedstraws
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typical 'looper' caterpillars (geometer larvae) that feed on low-growing plants, particularly bedstraws. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive two wavy, somewhat diffuse brown bands on the pale forewings. The overall coloration provides good camouflage against bark or stone.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with pale greyish-white wings, characterized by two prominent wavy brown bands across the forewings.
