Cream Wave
Scopula floslactata
This record describes Scopula floslactata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 29-33 mm. A fairly plain moth. Its creamy white wings have a scattering of dark scales and three or four distinct light or dark brown wavy cross lines. In Scotland there is a smaller, darker variety scotica . A good photograph is generally required to support your record. Please provide a note of size if possible. It inhabits deciduous woodland and hedgerows. The species is single-brooded, being on the wing in May and June. The larvae feed on Dandelion and Knotgrass. Local but widespread in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Scopula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits deciduous woodland and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
The species is single-brooded, being on the wing in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Dandelion and Knotgrass.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local but widespread in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Scopula floslactata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cream Wave (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Wave
What is Cream Wave?
Cream Wave (Scopula floslactata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cream Wave found?
Habitat: It inhabits deciduous woodland and hedgerows.
When is Cream Wave active?
Cream Wave: seasonal activity - The species is single-brooded, being on the wing in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Cream Wave?
The larvae feed on Dandelion and Knotgrass.