The Petite Wave moth (Scopula minorata) is a small geometer moth (15–20 mm wingspan) found across sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Europe. It inhabits warm, dry lowland areas, with larvae being highly polyphagous, feeding on various plants. They are active from April to October.
Key Facts About the Petite Wave (Scopula minorata)
Appearance: Background color varies from light ocher to brown with dark, sometimes blackish, markings. They feature characteristic, often jagged, external transverse lines.
Wingspan: Small, typically 15–20 mm.
Distribution: Primarily Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria).
Habitat: Dry and warm lowland, particularly coastal regions.
Flight Period: Generally flies from April to October, producing several generations per year.
Larval Food Plants: Polyphagous (feeds on many plants), including Mentha (mint), Rumex (dock), Tamarix, and others.
Identification: Difficult to distinguish from Scopula lactaria without examining genitalia.
Other Notes: Occasionally found in the UK as an adventive species (imported), particularly through produce.
