Tawny Wave
Common NameTawny Wave
Scientific NameScopula rubiginata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathland, grasslands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, plantain, sorrel
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slender and brownish, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the striking bicolored forewings with a sharp, dark median line. The basal area is typically brighter yellow/orange, contrasting with the duller reddish-brown outer area.
Description
A small moth with forewings distinctly divided into a bright yellow or orange basal area and a reddish-brown outer area, separated by a prominent dark brown median line.
