Idaea tacturata (Walker, 1861)
A geometrid moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G4
Virginia State Rank: S1S2
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Dot-lined Wave Moth is a pearly white, almost translucent, moth with a 13-21mm wing span. It has four brownish, dotted or zigzag lines from the forewings to the hindwings, and a tiny black discal dot present on all of the wings.
Similar species: The Dot-lined Wave is very similar to the Rippled Wave (Idaea obfusaria) which has lines connecting the dots on both wings and an increased amount of orange-brown shading. The Dot-lined Wave also can have lines connecting dots, but often with gaps and with reduced orange-brown shading in comparison to the Rippled Wave. Lobocleta peralbata and the Large Lace-border Moth (Scopula limboundata) as well as other Scopula species are also similar but lack the obvious dots in lines.
North American Range: This geometrid moth ranges from coastal Virginia through Florida to coastal Texas. In Virginia, it has been documented in Virginia Beach.
VA Observations by Locality: No Known Recorded Observations
Flight season and broods: This species is active all year in the southern part of its range.
Habitat and Food Plants: This species has been reared on clover.
Behavior and Ecology: Presently unknown
Population trend and potential threats: Presently unknown
Management practices: None yet
References: Covell, C.V., Jr. 1984. Peterson Field Guides: Eastern Moths. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 496pp.
Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=7122 Accessed: 15Apr2013