Violaceous Wave
Common NameViolaceous Wave
Scientific NameIdaea violacea
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsbeige, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, gardens, dry grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, withered leaves
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are slender and often cryptic, feeding on withered leaves or low-growing herbaceous plants, typically overwintering as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale ground color, and the characteristic wavy dark lines across all wings. The specific pattern of these lines and the overall coloration help distinguish it from similar small geometrids.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale beige to light brown wings, marked with several distinct, wavy, darker brown transverse lines across both forewings and hindwings, giving it a mottled appearance.
