Small Dusty Wave
Idaea seriata
This record describes Idaea seriata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19-21 mm. A rather dull looking nondescript moth Found in woodland, gardens and wasteland. Commonly attracted to lit walls, windows, etc. In the south there are two generations: flying in June and July and again in August and September. Further north there is a single brood flying in July and August. The caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants, including Ivy. Occurs quite frequently in much of Britain except the very far north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
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
Found in woodland, gardens and wasteland. Commonly attracted to lit walls, windows, etc.
Seasonal Activity
In the south there are two generations: flying in June and July and again in August and September. Further north there is a single brood flying in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants, including Ivy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs quite frequently in much of Britain except the very far north. 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 seriata. 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 Small Dusty Wave (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Dusty Wave
What is Small Dusty Wave?
Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Dusty Wave found?
Habitat: Found in woodland, gardens and wasteland. Commonly attracted to lit walls, windows, etc.
When is Small Dusty Wave active?
Small Dusty Wave: seasonal activity - In the south there are two generations: flying in June and July and again in August and September. Further north there is a single brood flying in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Small Dusty Wave?
The caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants, including Ivy.