22-1-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea incisaria)

Idaea incisaria, a small geometrid moth (wave) in the Sterrhinae subfamily, is known for being highly variable in color (white to black-grey), feeding as detritivores (dead plant matter) as larvae, laying eggs singly or in small groups on various substrates like silk or dry leaves, and being found across Europe and Asia, thriving in dry Mediterranean climates. 

Key Facts:

Classification: A geometer moth (Family: Geometridae, Subfamily: Sterrhinae).

Appearance: Extremely variable, from almost pure white to dark grey, with patterns (lines, spots) that can be well-defined or absent.

Diet (Larvae): Detritivores, meaning they consume dead organic matter (leaf litter) rather than live plants, unlike many related species.

Reproduction (Oviposition): Females lay eggs individually or in small clutches (2-12) on silk threads, dry plant fragments, or even container walls.

Habitat: Common in Mediterranean regions, adapted to dry, warm conditions, and found in Europe (Spain, UK) and parts of Asia.

Size: Adults typically have a wingspan of 16-20 mm.

6-9-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea incisaria)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/546913-Idaea-incisaria

7-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea incisaria)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/322983-Idaea-seriata

 

27-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea incisaria)

Scientific Name: Idaea incisaria (Staudinger, 1892)

Taxonomy: Family Geometridae (Geometer moths), Subfamily Sterrhinae (Waves and Mochas).

Region: Primarily found in the Mediterranean and Western Europe (notably Spain).

Oviposition: Females lay eggs in neat rows on dead or fragmented plant materials.

Incubation: Eggs have an incubation period ranging from 4 to 10 days depending on the temperature.

Larval Diet: The caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on withered leaves of various plants.

Flight Period: Adults have been recorded on the wing starting from late spring into summer (e.g., May to June).