Waves
Guides
Sterrhinae
Waves and Mochas
Sterrhinae is a large subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 3,000 described species, with exceptional diversity in the tropics decreasing toward higher latitudes and elevations. The subfamily was established by Edward Meyrick in 1892 and includes the taxonomically challenging genera Idaea and Scopula, which together account for more than half of all species. Members are commonly known as 'waves' due to their characteristic wing patterns. The group exhibits notable morphological synapomorphies including forewing areoles and specific venation patterns that distinguish it from other geometrid subfamilies.