Wave-moths
Guides
Cabera
wave moths, cream moths
Cabera is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1825. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, and Afrotropical regions, with limited representation in the Indo-Australian region and absence from Australia. Several species were previously classified under the genera Petelia and Gyalomia due to morphological similarities. The genus name derives from Cabeiro, daughter of the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology.
Idaea
wave moths, dwarf geometer moths
Idaea is a large genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) distributed nearly worldwide. The genus contains numerous small species, many of which are characterized by wavy transverse lines on the forewings that give them their common name of 'wave moths.' Species diversity is particularly high in the Mediterranean region, African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia. The genus was established by Treitschke in 1825.
Idaea asceta
Beautiful Wave
Idaea asceta, commonly known as the Beautiful Wave, is a species of geometrid moth described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1910. Originally placed in the genus Ptychopoda, it was later transferred to Idaea. The species belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths often referred to as "waves" due to their characteristic wing patterns. As a member of the diverse genus Idaea, which contains several hundred species worldwide, I. asceta represents one of many similar-looking taxa that require careful examination for accurate identification.
Scopula cacuminaria
Frosted Tan Wave
Scopula cacuminaria, commonly known as the frosted tan wave, is a small geometrid moth described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 18–23 mm and are active in July in Alberta, Canada. The species occurs across southern Canada from the Maritimes to southern British Columbia, extending south to Texas.
Scopula junctaria
Simple Wave
Scopula junctaria, commonly known as the simple wave, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. First described by Francis Walker in 1861, it is widely distributed across northern North America, occurring throughout Canada and extending southward into the northern United States. Adults are active from late May through August, with a single generation per year. The species is characterized by its relatively small size and distinctive wing pattern.