Lesser Cream Wave
Scopula immutata
This record describes Scopula immutata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 24 to 27 mm. A relatively small member of the Geometridae. A good photograph is generally required to support your record. A note of size would also be useful. Inhabits damp areas such as fens, bogs and damp meadows. Flies from dusk into the night during June to August. The larvae feed on Meadowsweet and Valerian. It occurs locally over much of England, Wales and Ireland, but is much scarcer further north and rare in 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
- Scopula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits damp areas such as fens, bogs and damp meadows.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from dusk into the night during June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Meadowsweet and Valerian.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs locally over much of England, Wales and Ireland, but is much scarcer further north and rare in 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 Scopula immutata. 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 Lesser Cream Wave (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Cream Wave
What is Lesser Cream Wave?
Lesser Cream Wave (Scopula immutata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser Cream Wave found?
Habitat: Inhabits damp areas such as fens, bogs and damp meadows.
When is Lesser Cream Wave active?
Lesser Cream Wave: seasonal activity - Flies from dusk into the night during June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Cream Wave?
The larvae feed on Meadowsweet and Valerian.