Small Fan-footed Wave
Idaea biselata
This record describes Idaea biselata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15-20 mm. The intensity of the markings varies and one regular dark form has been named fimbriolata . Woodland, plantations, heaths and gardens. Flies from evening onwards between June and August. The larvae feed from August through the winter on a variety of low-growing plants. Quite common over much of Britain. 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
Woodland, plantations, heaths and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from evening onwards between June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed from August through the winter on a variety of low-growing plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common over much of Britain. 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 biselata. 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 Fan-footed Wave (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Fan-footed Wave
What is Small Fan-footed Wave?
Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Fan-footed Wave found?
Habitat: Woodland, plantations, heaths and gardens.
When is Small Fan-footed Wave active?
Small Fan-footed Wave: seasonal activity - Flies from evening onwards between June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Small Fan-footed Wave?
The larvae feed from August through the winter on a variety of low-growing plants.