Small Dusty Wave
ExploreInsects
Small Dusty Wave
Idaea seriata
The Small Dusty Wave is a tiny moth with beautiful, wavy patterns on its wings. It loves to flutter around gardens and fields, especially at night when it comes out to play.
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Small Dusty Wave is a tiny, pale moth, typically yellowish-white to light brown, with faint, wavy grey or darker cross-lines on its wings. Its overall appearance is dusty or powdery, allowing it to blend seamlessly with dried leaves or tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIdaea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult moths have a special proboscis like a straw to sip nectar.
It can fly almost silently, making it hard for predators to hear!
Its caterpillars are fantastic actors, mimicking tiny twigs!
The 'dusty' look on its wings comes from tiny, overlapping scales.
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Disguise
Small Dusty Wave has muted, wavy wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with dried leaves and bark, making them almost invisible to predators.
Ability
Night Navigator
Small Dusty Wave can fly efficiently after dark because of their specialized vision, helping them find food and mates under the cover of night.
Ability
Rapid Reproducer
Small Dusty Wave can complete their life cycle quickly, allowing them to have multiple generations in a single warm season, boosting their numbers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-20 mm
- Size
- 7-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat various low-growing plants, but adult moths only consume nectar.
Primary Foods
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Knotgrass
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
A common bat that hunts moths at night.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Many bird species, including robins, prey on moth larvae and adults.
eats
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Common Chickweed
Stellaria media
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of this widespread plant.
eats
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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Another common plant its caterpillars munch on.
pollinates
Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii
Adult moths visit various flowers like this for nectar, aiding pollination.
Traits
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.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
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 gentle creatures and safe to observe, but don't touch them too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Dusty Wave's wingspan?
15-20 mm
How big is Small Dusty Wave?
7-10 mm
How long does Small Dusty Wave live?
10-20 days
What does Small Dusty Wave eat?
Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Where is Small Dusty Wave usually found?
Gardens
How does Small Dusty Wave hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Dusty Wave have?
6
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