Speckled Wave
Common NameSpeckled Wave
Scientific NameIdaea aversata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Near East, Central Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, bedstraw, lettuce
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and brownish, feeding on various low-growing plants. They overwinter as larvae, pupating in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its pale coloration, two wavy cross-lines, and a small discal spot. The presence of a darker band beyond the outer cross-line in some individuals is a useful distinguishing mark.
Description
A small, pale brown or yellowish-brown moth characterized by two distinct wavy darker cross-lines and a small central spot on each wing, often with a darker band on the outer part of the wings.
