Grass Wave
Perconia strigillaria
This record describes Perconia strigillaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A species which occupies moors and heaths, as well as open woodland. There is just one brood, flying in June and July, when the moths are on the wing from dusk into the night. The caterpillars overwinter and feed predominantly on heather and heath as well as broom and gorse. It is fairly frequent in parts of southern England, but local elsewhere in Britain as far north as southern Scotland. 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
- Perconia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species which occupies moors and heaths, as well as open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
There is just one brood, flying in June and July, when the moths are on the wing from dusk into the night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars overwinter and feed predominantly on heather and heath as well as broom and gorse.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly frequent in parts of southern England, but local elsewhere in Britain as far north as southern Scotland. 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 Perconia strigillaria. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Wave
What is Grass Wave?
Grass Wave (Perconia strigillaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Grass Wave found?
Habitat: A species which occupies moors and heaths, as well as open woodland.
When is Grass Wave active?
Grass Wave: seasonal activity - There is just one brood, flying in June and July, when the moths are on the wing from dusk into the night..
What is the life cycle of a Grass Wave?
The caterpillars overwinter and feed predominantly on heather and heath as well as broom and gorse.