Small White Wave
Asthena albulata
This record describes Asthena albulata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14 to18 mm. A delicate little moth which has a silky sheen to the wings, and is more contrastingly marked than other white 'waves'. The adults fly from mid-May to July, sometimes with a partial second brood in August/September. The caterpillars, which are marked with red and green, feed on a range of trees including birch and hazel. It is distributed widely throughout much of Britain, though scarcer in Scotland. 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
- Asthena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favours woodland habitat.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from mid-May to July, sometimes with a partial second brood in August/September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars, which are marked with red and green, feed on a range of trees including birch and hazel.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed widely throughout much of Britain, though scarcer in Scotland. 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 Asthena albulata. 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 White Wave (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small White Wave
What is Small White Wave?
Small White Wave (Asthena albulata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small White Wave found?
Habitat: Favours woodland habitat.
When is Small White Wave active?
Small White Wave: seasonal activity - The adults fly from mid-May to July, sometimes with a partial second brood in August/September..
What is the life cycle of a Small White Wave?
The caterpillars, which are marked with red and green, feed on a range of trees including birch and hazel.