Geometridae

70.017 Portland Ribbon Wave Idaea degeneraria (Hübner, [1799])

RDB / Immigrant

Similar species: Riband Wave Idaea aversata has a shaded central bar rather than inner bar.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Warm areas of grassland scrub, scrubby undercliff and sheltered hollows on limestone coastland.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages are unknown in Britain except for some larvae found feeding on an ornamental Crack Willow in the Channel Islands. In captivity it will accept Bramble, Lady's-bedstraw, Traveller's-joy, Honeysuckle, Knotgrass, dock and Dandelion. It pupates in the soil.