Lesser Cream Wave       Cream Wave
Smoky Wave - Scopula ternata - 23rd June 2005 - Hell Bank, Beeley, Matlock - Graham Finch
70.026 BF1694  – Smoky Wave  – Scopula ternata  – Schrank, 1802
Adult Macro:  CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs maybe required – Can be confused with other species      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Geometridae  >> Sterrhinae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
ID pointers: This Scopula species doesn’t show any black spots in the wings, only a powdery speckling. The wavy crosslines vary in intensity of colour.
Distribution:  (Last record: 18 May 2025 at Lightwood Reserve, Buxton )  –  Fairly common locally on the upland areas of north Derbyshire
General Comment: None Flight Period: June /  July –  On the wing – June – July. One generation can be disturbed by day Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – but can be disturbed during the day Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Graham Finch  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 22 February 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 20-29mm
Forewing: 12-15mm Food Plant: Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Heather (Calluna).
Last Recorded Year: 2025
Last Recorded By – Sue Taylor (photograph on irecord)
Last Recorded General Area – Lightwood Reserve, Buxton
Selected Images:  Matlock 23 June 2006 Graham Finch ©

Smoky Wave - Scopula ternata - 23rd June 2005 - Hell Bank, Beeley, Matlock - Graham Finch
Smoky Wave – Scopula ternata – 23rd June 2005 – Hell Bank, Beeley, Matlock – Graham Finch
Smoky Wave - Scopula ternata - 23rd June 2005 - Hell Bank, Beeley, Matlock - Graham Finch

 
 

Image Gallery

No gallery images found for this moth.


Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1960 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 1975 - 1991)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
 

Distribution Map for Scopula ternata

Found 92 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 14 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 78 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Scopula ternata

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Scopula ternata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Scopula ternata
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Scopula ternata
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Scopula ternata
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Scopula ternata
AGR: -8.75%   |   Total % Change: -88.9%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Scopula ternata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Scopula ternata

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Scopula ternata – 92 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Lightwood Reserve, BuxtonSK07M18/05/20251adultTaylor, Suevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42059533
Glossop, Northwest of TwitchlingsSK09L21/07/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38130651
Chunal Moor near Harry HutSK09K08/07/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38130396
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough Woodland southeastSK09U07/07/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38130392
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F28/06/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36773573
Burbage MoorSK28Q25/06/20241AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36641622
Reeve Edge QuarriesSK06E17/06/20231adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34361513
Glossop, Bray CloughSK09K02/06/20232adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336098
Ladycroft AveSK07S20/06/20221adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35089620
Buxton SK, UKSK07S18/06/20221AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC25898096
Priestcliffe LeesSK17L08/07/20211adultFaulkner, Petervc57_irecords_extractiBRC34594503
Derbyshire, England, United KingdomSK07S03/07/20211AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22783910
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F26/06/20211adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC29594944
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F19/06/20211adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC29593995
Lightwood, BuxtonSK07M14/06/20191adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35097764
Derbyshire, England, United KingdomSK07M05/06/20181AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22508348
LightwoodSK07M05/06/20181adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC49168176
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R09/08/20131AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJXFS
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R09/08/20131AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ7X9
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley MoorSK26Y15/07/20134AdultA. Butler;B.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJWY8
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y15/07/20134AdultA. Butler;B.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPNUN
Beeley Triangle,Beeley MoorSK26Y04/07/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK6Q9
Beeley Triangle, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y04/07/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ2R7
Hellbank Plantation, Matlock (at stile in car pull-in)SK26Z02/06/20114AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJRNY
Upper Moor,MatlockSK36C02/06/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK63N
Uppermoor, MatlockSK36C02/06/20112AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL039
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N31/05/20116AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJRLM
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q23/07/20101AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKFRH
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q12/07/20091AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKOUI
DovedaleSK15K05/07/20091AdultDavid Grundy;M.J. Dalevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJMGA
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q30/06/20081AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKK7R
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q22/07/20071AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKHSS
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q23/07/20061AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHTST
Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y17/06/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJCFX
Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y17/06/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP6NY
Beeley Moor (Triangle)SK26Z05/06/20067AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJBVR
Beeley - Hell Bank PlantationSK26Y23/06/20051adultGraham Finchvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46107138
Blacka MoorSK28V06/07/20031AdultHousley, Pvc57_irecords_extractiBRC12211946
Blacka Moor, Dore, SheffieldSK28V06/06/20031AdultBOTTERILL, Mr R.F., BEAUMONT, Mr H.E., HOUSLEY, Mrvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIBT1
Blacka Moor, Dore, SheffieldSK28V06/06/20031AdultSorby Nat Hist Soc;H.E. Beaumont;P. Housley;R.F. Bvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ64Q
Matlock Forest, MatlockSK36G01/07/20025AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHOP2
Matlock Forest, MatlockSK36G01/07/20025AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQDUB
Matlock Forest, MatlockSK36G29/06/20019AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ29O
Ramsley Moor (nr track to pumping station), BaslowSK27Y29/06/19931AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHM0Y
Ramsley Moor (nr track to pumping station), BaslowSK27Y29/06/19931AdultL.A. Storervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPX7G
Deep Dale, BuxtonSK07V25/06/19936AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIX5G
Deep Dale, BuxtonSK07V25/06/19936AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPX6M
Moor Edge, Birch ValeSK08I29/06/19921AdultS. Dobsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI1G5
Moor Edge, Birch ValeSK08I29/06/19921AdultS. Dobsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOMUV
Ashop Clough, nr GlossopSK09V28/06/19921AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIW7P
Ashop Clough, nr GlossopSK09V28/06/19921AdultI.F. Smith;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOMUT
Matley Moor, RowarthSK09F07/06/19921AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVYL
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G07/06/19923AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVYM
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G07/06/19925AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVYN
Torside, LongdendaleSK09U07/06/19921AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVYO
Matley Moor, RowarthSK09F07/06/19921AdultI.F. Smith;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQADI
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G07/06/19923AdultI.F. Smith;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQADJ
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G07/06/19925AdultI.F. Smith;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQADK
Torside, LongdendaleSK09U07/06/19921AdultI.F. Smith;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQADL
Shaw Moor Plantation, GlossopSK09F27/06/19911AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIV5Q
Shaw Moor Plantation, GlossopSK09F27/06/19911AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ58E
CharlesworthSK09B13/04/19911LarvaeS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0ZL
CharlesworthSK09B13/04/19911LarvaeS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WONBX
Middle Moor, Kinder, HayfieldSK08P26/06/19905AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKTU
Middle Moor, Kinder, HayfieldSK08P26/06/19905AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ538
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G16/06/19904AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUCE
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F16/06/19902AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUCF
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F16/06/199020AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUCG
Whiteley Nab, GlossopSK09G16/06/19904AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPRG
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F16/06/19902AdultP.J. Palmervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPRH
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F16/06/199020AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPRI
White Brow, Kinder, HayfieldSK08P26/05/19901AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0R1
Kinder Bank,HayfieldSK08N25/05/19908AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0QQ
Kinder Bank,HayfieldSK08N25/05/19902AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0QR
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F18/06/19894AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0EZ
Chunnal Moor, GlossopSK09F18/06/19894AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPX04
Matlock Moor,MatlockSK36G13/06/19894AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OITHP
Matlock Moor,MatlockSK36G13/06/19894AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WORS6
Matlock Forest, MatlockSK36B16/04/19891AdultK.J. Orpevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIEQZ
Hopton Wood NR, CromfordSK25T11/07/19876AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OISWE
Hopton Wood NR, CromfordSK25T11/07/19876AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP8UD
Matlock Moor,MatlockSK36G04/07/19876AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OISTD
Matlock Moor,MatlockSK36G04/07/19876AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP8U8
Matlock Forest, Matlock (site not precise)SK36G05/06/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHYJE
Matlock (Teacher Training College)SK36A14/06/19801AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIMEA
Matlock (Teacher Training College)SK36A12/06/19801AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXPK
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z09/05/19751LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIIXT
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/05/19741AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHF6K
Hollingworth Clough, Hayfield (site not precise)SK08P12/07/19641AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEG7
Hollingworth Clough, Hayfield (site not precise)SK08P20/06/19641AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEFU
Hollingworth Clough, Hayfield (site not precise)SK08P16/06/19645AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEFR
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D20/08/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGUP

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