313. Single Spotted Wave

This common introduced European moth seems to be somewhat poorly known here on southern Vancouver Island.  In Britian the caterpillar feeds on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), and Bedstraw (Galium) as they presumably do here as well.  The Single Spotted Wave is often found on walls under lights in the summer months, as indeed was this specimen.  Idaeae dimidiata is a variable and attractive species, ranging from creaming white to dingy brown, often with a smudgy spot on the wings. It is in the very large family of Geometrid moths.