Idaea moniliata

Chequered wave
Idaea moniliata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Tribe:	Sterrhini
Genus:	Idaea
Species:	I. moniliata
Binomial name
Idaea moniliata Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775

Idaea moniliata, common name chequered wave, is a moth of the family Geometridae.

Description

Idaea moniliata has a wingspan of about 18–20 millimetres (0.71–0.79 in). The background color of the wings is whitish with light brown thin lines, a row of relatively large round white spots (hence the Latin name moniliata, meaning with collar or necklace) and tiny, dark dots on the edge. This univoltine species fly from late May to early August. The larva feeds on withered leaves of various low-growing herbaceous plants, especially Vetch (Vicia species), Hawkbit (Leontodon species) and Forget-me-not (Myosotis species).

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in most of Europe and the Near East. It mainly lives on limestone background and dry meadows.

References

• Axel Hausmann: The Geometrid moths of Europe, 2. Sterrhinae. In A. Hausmann (Hrsg.): The Geometrid Moths of Europe 2. Apollo Books, Stenstrup 2004. ISBN 87-88757-37-4
• Fauna europaea
• Lepidoptera.eu

External links

• Lepiforum.de
• Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa
• Lotmoths