Species Details
Scopula cacuminaria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameFrosted Tan Wave
SeasonalityThe only Alberta specimen was collected on July 20.
IdentificationA small (1.8-2.3 cm wingspan) creamy white to very light tan moth with somewhat pointed forewings and a pointed margin on the hindwings. The wings are speckled with black dots, forming a loose median band with heavier spotting on the outer half of the wings, usually forming dark patches in the anal-angle areas of both sets of wings. There are also a series of black spots on the dorsal abdomen. The small size and the distinctive pattern of black speckling will separate it from other species of Scopula.
Scientific Name
Scopula cacuminaria
Common Name
Frosted Tan Wave
Habitat
The only Alberta specimen to date was taken on shrubby native grassland on the floodplain of the South Saskatchewan River.
Seasonality
The only Alberta specimen was collected on July 20.
Identification
A small (1.8-2.3 cm wingspan) creamy white to very light tan moth with somewhat pointed forewings and a pointed margin on the hindwings. The wings are speckled with black dots, forming a loose median band with heavier…
A small (1.8-2.3 cm wingspan) creamy white to very light tan moth with somewhat pointed forewings and a pointed margin on the hindwings. The wings are speckled with black dots, forming a loose median band with heavier spotting on the outer half of the wings, usually forming dark patches in the anal-angle areas of both sets of wings. There are also a series of black spots on the dorsal abdomen. The small size and the distinctive pattern of black speckling will separate it from other species of Scopula.
Life History
Poorly known. Adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Conservation
Uncommon in Alberta, but a widespread species. No reason for concern.
Diet Info
Apparently polyphagous; recorded hosts include lettuce and dandelion (Covell, 1984); and Asteraceae (unknown).
Range
Across southern Canada from the Maritimes to southern BC, south to Texas.
Notes
The first (and only) Alberta specimen was collected in southern Alberta in 2005. It was known previously from both Saskatchewan and British Columbia
Citation
Page Citation for Scopula cacuminaria
Page Citation
"Species Details - Scopula cacuminaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-6103. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
References
Author
Covell, C. V., Jr.
Title
A field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date
1984
Pages
496
Author
Handfield, L.
Title
Le guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
536
Title
Macrolepidoptera of Mont Saint-Hilaire Region
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
UASM41306 - Scopula cacuminaria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bow Island
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-07-22