Geometridae

70.026 Smoky Wave Scopula ternata Schrank, 1802

Local

Similar species: Cream Wave Scopula floslactata has only a light speckling of black dots and a small central dot in the hindwing. The Scottish form of Cream Wave does have heavy speckling but is smaller and has more wavy cross-lines.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Heathland, moorland, but also short-turfed rocky limestone slopes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from Heather and Bilberry during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Heather and Bilberry. The foodplants have not been recorded on calcareous soils. The larva pupates in the leaf litter or just below the soil surface.