Small Yellow Wave
Hydrelia flammeolaria
This record describes Hydrelia flammeolaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14-20 mm. A diminutive but rather attractive moth with an orangey-yellow patterned wings The single brood flies in June and July and is often attracted to light. The larvae feed on Field Maple but in the north more commonly on Alder. This species occurs most commonly in the south of England becoming gradually scarcer further north into Scotland. 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
- Hydrelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and other well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The single brood flies in June and July and is often attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Field Maple but in the north more commonly on Alder.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species occurs most commonly in the south of England becoming gradually scarcer further north into 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 Hydrelia flammeolaria. 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 Yellow Wave (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Yellow Wave
What is Small Yellow Wave?
Small Yellow Wave (Hydrelia flammeolaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Yellow Wave found?
Habitat: Woodland and other well wooded areas.
When is Small Yellow Wave active?
Small Yellow Wave: seasonal activity - The single brood flies in June and July and is often attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Small Yellow Wave?
The larvae feed on Field Maple but in the north more commonly on Alder.