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Small Fan-footed Wave
ExploreInsects
Small Fan-footed Wave
Idaea biselata
The Small Fan-footed Wave is a tiny moth with beautiful patterns on its wings. It flutters around at night, making it a special sight for those who look closely in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Small Fan-footed Wave is a delicate moth with creamy white to pale yellow-ochre wings, often featuring faint reddish tinges. It has three indistinct wavy cross-lines and distinctive fan-like hind legs on males, setting it apart from similar species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIdaea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even tiny moths like this help pollinate flowers while sipping sweet nectar at night.
Its caterpillars are called loopers because they move like they're measuring the ground!
Look closely for tiny black dots on its wings, like little beauty marks!
This moth got its 'wave' name from the wavy lines on its delicate wings.
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Disguise
Small Fan-footed Wave can blend into its surroundings because of its subtle patterns and pale colors that help them hide from predators.
Ability
Fan-foot Dance
Small Fan-footed Wave males have unique fan-like hind legs that help them perform courtship displays to attract a mate.
Ability
Night Navigator
Small Fan-footed Wave can fly mostly at night because their sensitive hairs help them navigate and find food.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 18-22 mm
- Size
- 7-9 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-28 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on plant leaves and adults sip sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat leaves and plants, but adult moths drink nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Galium (Bedstraw)
- Rumex (Dock)
- Taraxacum (Dandelion)
- Nectar from various flowers
- Polygonum (Knotgrass)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Cleavers
Galium aparine
Larvae feed on the leaves.
eaten by
Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Caterpillars munch on its leaves.
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
A common European bat that hunts moths at night.
hunts
Common Wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Wasps sometimes prey on moth caterpillars.
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.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
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 harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Fan-footed Wave's wingspan?
18-22 mm
How big is Small Fan-footed Wave?
7-9 mm
How long does Small Fan-footed Wave live?
14-28 days
What does Small Fan-footed Wave eat?
Caterpillars munch on plant leaves and adults sip sweet flower nectar.
Where is Small Fan-footed Wave usually found?
Grasslands
How does Small Fan-footed Wave hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Fan-footed Wave have?
6
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