Geometridae

70.003 Bright Wave Idaea ochrata (Scopoli, 1763)

RDB

Similar species: Ochraceous Wave Idaea serpentata is darker and brighter with more contrasting cross-bands and much darker fringe.

Forewing: 10 to 12mm

Habitats: Sandy grassland with fine grasses, ungrazed vegetated shingle, shingle on sand-dunes and formerly on sandy undercliff.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from grass during the day. It flies in the late afternoon and from dusk. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers, seedpods and leaves of Smooth Tare. It has also been recorded on Hare's-foot Clover, Restharrow, vetches, Lesser Stitchwort and daisies. In captivity it accepts Dandelion and Knotgrass. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon in the leaf litter.