Satin Wave
Idaea subsericeata
This record describes Idaea subsericeata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22 to 25 mm. A fairly plain-looking whitish moth, which has a glossy sheen to the upper wing surfaces. A good photograph is generally required to support your record. The caterpillar, which hibernates during the winter, feeds on low plants including Knotgrass, Dandelion and Chickweed. It is relatively common in the south of England, becoming scarcer further north to southern Scotland. It also occurs locally in Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Idaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar, which hibernates during the winter, feeds on low plants including Knotgrass, Dandelion and Chickweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is relatively common in the south of England, becoming scarcer further north to southern Scotland. It also occurs locally in Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Idaea subsericeata. 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 Satin Wave
What is Satin Wave?
Satin Wave (Idaea subsericeata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Satin Wave found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Satin Wave active?
Satin Wave: seasonal activity - The adults fly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Satin Wave?
The caterpillar, which hibernates during the winter, feeds on low plants including Knotgrass, Dandelion and Chickweed.