Idaea furciferata
(Packard, 1873)
Notch-winged Wave, notch-winged wave moth
Idaea furciferata, commonly known as the notch-winged wave , is a small geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. are active from spring through mid-summer, with males slightly larger than females. The is associated with open where its larval plants, clover and dandelion, occur.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Idaea furciferata: /ɪˈdaɪə fɜːrsɪˈfɛrətə/
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Identification
Small with wingspan of approximately 15–17 mm; males average 17 mm, females 15 mm. The specific epithet 'furciferata' (fork-bearing) and 'notch-winged' suggest distinctive wing margin features, though detailed pattern description is not available in sources. Within the large Idaea, identification to level requires examination of genitalia or reference to regional keys; superficial similarity to other small Sterrhinae moths is likely.
Images
Habitat
Open supporting herbaceous vegetation, including areas where clover (Trifolium) and dandelion (Taraxacum) grow. Specific habitat associations beyond plant presence have not been documented.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America, recorded from Maryland south to northern Florida, and west to Missouri and Texas.
Seasonality
on wing from April to August, with peak activity presumably in late spring and summer.
Diet
Larvae feed on Trifolium (clover) and Taraxacum (dandelion) . feeding habits are not documented.