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Isle of Wight Wave

Idaea humiliata

The Isle of Wight Wave is a small, colorful moth that loves to flutter around at night. Its beautiful patterns help it blend in with nature, making it a special sight to see!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Isle of Wight Wave is a small, delicate moth, typically pale yellowish-brown with fine, wavy dark lines crossing its wings. It has a distinctive dark discal spot on both forewings and hindwings, setting it apart from other small geometrid moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIdaea
Isle of Wight Wave
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Isle of Wight Wave

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female moths lay tiny eggs on food plants, kicking off new life.

Its caterpillars munch on dried plants, turning waste into energy!

The wavy lines on its wings inspired its 'Wave' name!

This moth loves marshy, damp places, a true wetland enthusiast!

Special abilities

Ability

Camouflage Master

Isle of Wight Wave has mottled wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with dry leaves and bark, avoiding hungry birds.

Ability

Night Navigator

Isle of Wight Wave can fly and find food in the dark because of its excellent sense of smell, guiding it to nectar sources.

Ability

Vibration Sensor

Isle of Wight Wave can sense subtle vibrations in the air, which helps them detect approaching predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-22 mm
Size
7-10 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers; caterpillars munch on dead leaves and plants.

Age differences: Adult moths drink nectar, while their caterpillars eat dead leaves and low-growing plants.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • withered leaves
  • dead grasses
  • heather
  • wild thyme

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Daubenton's Bat

Myotis daubentonii

Bats hunt adult moths at night using echolocation.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds snatch moths from vegetation during the day.

pollinates

Heather

Calluna vulgaris

Adults visit heather flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.

depends on

Cock's-foot Grass

Dactylis glomerata

Caterpillars feed on the dead leaves of various grasses.

depends on

Wild Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Larvae are known to feed on dead leaves of wild thyme.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch moths or insects without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isle of Wight Wave's wingspan?

18-22 mm

How big is Isle of Wight Wave?

7-10 mm

How long does Isle of Wight Wave live?

10-20 days

What does Isle of Wight Wave eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers; caterpillars munch on dead leaves and plants.

Where is Isle of Wight Wave usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Isle of Wight Wave hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Isle of Wight Wave have?

6

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