Photo © Keith Tailby

Welsh Wave

Venusia cambrica

Checklist Number
70.115 [B&F: 1873]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Larentiinae
Genus:Venusia
Species:cambrica
Authority:Curtis, 1839

Local on moorland and in open woodland, in western England, Wales and Scotland. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-30 mm. Waved Carpet Hydrelia sylvata is superficially similar, but Welsh Wave has a more clearly demarcated pale central band which is bordered by thin black fascia. Larva feeds on Rowan, Silver Birch and Downy Birch, over-wintering as a pupa.