Small Dusty Wave vs Arctic Clouded Yellow

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Dusty Wave Arctic Clouded Yellow
Scientific Name Idaea seriata Colias tyche
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Pieridae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Tundra & Arctic
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Arctic Russia, Siberia, northern Alaska, Yukon
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Dusty Wave

A tiny pale moth with subtle wavy cross-lines. Commonly found inside buildings where larvae feed on dried organic matter. One of the few moths adapted to indoor living.

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Did You Know?

One of the few moth species that has adapted to complete its life cycle entirely inside buildings.

Arctic Clouded Yellow

A medium-sized butterfly with pale greenish-yellow wings and prominent dark borders. The underside has a silvery-white discal spot. It has a powerful, direct flight over open tundra landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly is so well adapted to the Arctic that it can fly in wind speeds that would ground most temperate butterflies.