British Moths by Lowen James;

Author:Lowen, James;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Published: 2021-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

WAVES

Waves are butterfly-like geometers. They lie flat on broad, pale wings that show a varying number of cross-lines. They fly particularly at dusk.

RIBAND WAVE Idaea aversata PHOTOS A, B; FW 14–16mm

IDENTIFICATION The commonest and largest species here, and the only one varying in colour and pattern. Base tone ranges from pale beige to sandy-brown, but never whitish like others. One form A has a dark ribbon (hence ‘Riband’) between the second and third outer cross-lines, which is never shown by others. Shape differs too, with a slightly hooked tip to markedly long wings. Also differs from all species here in bold black subterminal stitching along both wings. Has three dark cross-lines, i.e. fewer than all moths here bar Common White Wave (↓) and Common Wave (↓). Unlike that duo, outermost cross-line kinks inwards at the leading edge. Simple (unfeathered) antennae also rule out males of that pair. WHERE Most habitats, including gardens, parks, woods, heaths, fens. Widespread throughout Britain and Ireland bar upland Scotland. WHEN Jun–Aug. Nocturnal, but flies at dusk and sometimes disturbed by day.

COMMON WAVE Cabera exanthemata PHOTO C; FW 14–16mm

IDENTIFICATION Different shape to Riband Wave (↑), with stubbier, rounder-tipped wings. Differs further in: ‘dirty’ appearance created by extensive bold black freckling; lack of black discal dots; feathered antennae (in male); and three cross-lines that are broader, more diffuse and noticeably wiggly. Same features also rule out Cream Wave/Lesser Cream Wave (↓), which are smaller and more delicate, and have four or more cross-lines. Similar to Common White Wave (↓). WHERE Woods, carr. Widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, N to Orkney. WHEN May–early Sep; two generations as far N as N England. Flies at dusk, less so at night. May be disturbed from foodplants by day.

COMMON WHITE WAVE Cabera pusaria PHOTO D; FW 15–17mm

IDENTIFICATION Differs from other moths here in same ways as Common Wave (↑). Most similar to that moth, from which it differs by: cleaner, whiter appearance with less coarse freckling; cross-lines that are greyish (rather than brown) and less wiggly; and outer two cross-lines being almost straight, not distinctly curved. WHERE Woods, scrub. Widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, N to Orkney. WHEN May–Aug. Flies particularly at dusk; sometimes caught at light.

CREAM WAVE Scopula floslactata PHOTO E; FW 13–16mm

IDENTIFICATION Smaller than Riband, Common and Common White waves (all ↑). More pointed wing-tip than latter two, with a noticeably arched (rather than straight or gently curved) leading edge. Rather whitish, wan and washed-out appearance, with (usually) four indistinct, wavy cross-lines, of which the outermost zigzags. If present, discal spot on hindwing eliminates Common/Common White. Absence of discal spot on forewing rules out Riband. Most similar to Lesser Cream Wave Scopula immutata (F; widespread in S England, Wales and Ireland but local elsewhere; late Jun–early Aug), but this has discal spot on forewing as well, more rounded forewing and usually five bolder cross-lines. Small White Wave Asthena albulata (G; S England and Wales, local elsewhere; two generations: May–Aug) is much smaller (FW 9–11mm), whiter and cleaner-looking. Unlike the

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