21-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea minuscularia)

White moth Idaea minuscularia

One of the many species of moths (also called moths ) that can enter the house attracted by the interior lights and remain on the wall still for many hours. Belonging to the Geometridae Family . Very large group of nocturnal moths (about 35,000 species). With a wide variety of sizes, they include wingspans ranging from 12 to 120 mm. The morphology and posture they adopt are characteristic of the family:

The forewings of these moths are wide and triangular in shape with hindwings almost as wide.

During the day, they keep their wings extended and flat against the surface on which they rest.

The coloration along with a mottled pattern and posture allows them to go unnoticed in a natural environment.

The caterpillars of this family have a very particular way of moving. Because they have a space between their front legs and those located at the end of the abdomen, they move by bringing the rear end to the front legs and then extending the body forward. 

Moths of this family are characterized by slender bodies and large , broad forewings, which are often crossed by thin, wavy lines.

Idaea is a genus that encompasses approximately 700 known species, between the Mediterranean, Africa and

western Asia.

12 to 18 mm wing span. White background color. Transverse lines and points of the cell generally thin or practically non-existent. Posterior edge dotted and parallel to it, series of dots on the inside of the wing. Dark spots appear between the two that are often inconspicuous.

The caterpillar is polyphagous . They feed on a multitude of low-growing herbs in all types of habitats, being adapted to parks, gardens and urban lots .

Adults come to the streetlights at night , staying on the walls for a long time, even during the day. Occasionally they access homes.

In temperate zones they can be found in all months of the year.

Western Mediterranean. North Africa (Morocco, western Algeria) and Iberian Peninsula. It is also known from the Balearic Islands.

It is often found near the coast in bushes, buildings and walls. It lives in arid biotopes with little vegetation cover. Parks, gardens and urban lots .