Photo © Dave Green

Mullein Wave

Scopula marginepunctata

Checklist Number
70.023 [B&F: 1689]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Sterrhinae
Genus:Scopula
Species:marginepunctata
Authority:(Goeze, 1781)

Local in grassland and saltmarshes along most of the Welsh and English coastline, but distinctly uncommon inland, except in the London area where it is locally abundant, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly frequent along the coast, although rare inland, where mainly confined to the chalk. Wingspan 25-28 mm. Similar in appearance to Weaver's Wave Idaea contiguaria, but significantly larger, with no overlap in wingspan. Larva feeds on Wild Marjoram, Wood Sage, Horseshoe Vetch, Yarrow and Mugwort.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)