Geometridae

70.016 Riband Wave Idaea aversata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Plain Wave Idaea straminata lacks the inward kink where the outer cross-line reaches the leading edge and usually has much paler cross-lines. Portland Ribbon Wave Idaea degeneraria has a shaded inner bar rather than central bar.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Woodland rides, clearings and margins, scrub, hedgerows, calcareous grassland, coastal grassland and scrub, heathland, marshes, fens and gardens.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed from vegetation or tree trunks during the day. It flies from dusk when it nectars at thistles and similar flowers. It is common at light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on bedstraws, Wood Avens, Primrose, Knotgrass, chickweed, Dandelion, dock and other low-growing plants. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.