_Satin_Wave_(Idaea_subsericeata)_(15002009297).jpg&width=800)
Satin Wave
ExploreInsects
Satin Wave
Idaea subsericeata
The Satin Wave is a beautiful moth with soft, silky wings. It loves to flutter around at night and can be found resting on tree bark or leaves during the day.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Satin Wave is a small, delicate moth, typically creamy-white or pale yellow. Its fragile wings have subtle, faint wavy lines that create a rippled, satiny appearance. This pattern helps it visually disappear against lichen-covered surfaces or tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIdaea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Satin Waves usually only live for a few weeks, making their time very precious!
Despite their small size, these delicate moths can travel surprising distances at night!
Its caterpillars are called 'loopers' because they arch their bodies as if measuring the ground!
The 'satin' in its name comes from the faint, shimmering sheen on its pale wings!
Special abilities
Ability
Wavy Camouflage
Satin Wave has subtle wavy wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with tree bark and rocks.
Ability
Night Navigator
Satin Wave can fly in the dark because of specialized senses that help them find food and mates.
Ability
Scent Detective
Satin Wave has feathery antennae that helps them sniff out mates from far away, even in the dark.
Ability
Leaf Muncher (larvae)
Satin Wave larvae can eat tough plant leaves because of their strong jaws that help them grow big.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 18-22 mm
- Size
- 7-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet nectar, while their caterpillars munch on common plant leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed on nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Knotgrass
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Plantain
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentonii
A nocturnal hunter that preys on flying moths.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
These birds may catch adult moths at dawn.
eats
Knotgrass
Polygonum aviculare
A primary food source for Satin Wave caterpillars.
eats
Chickweed
Stellaria media
Common weed eaten by the moth's hungry larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are safe to watch, but it's best to leave them alone and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Satin Wave's wingspan?
18-22 mm
How big is Satin Wave?
7-10 mm
How long does Satin Wave live?
10-20 days
What does Satin Wave eat?
Adults sip sweet nectar, while their caterpillars munch on common plant leaves.
Where is Satin Wave usually found?
Forests
How does Satin Wave hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Satin Wave have?
6
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