Idaea aversata, Riband Wave Moth

Common Name: Riband Wave

Idaea aversata, more commonly known as the Riband Wave, has a wingspan of 30-35 mm; adults are generally a reddish or greyish colour with three distinctive median cross lines on the forewings and two on the hindwings. The banded form has a well-defined darkish broad band across all wings. Distinguished from the Plain Wave (Idaea straminata) by the absence of the discal spots, its larger size and the shape of the sub-terminal line which is straight rather than indented.

Widespread and commonly recorded in southern counties. Less frequent further north. On the wing from the beginning of June to the end of August. Commonly encountered in a wide variety of habitats. Adults appear frequently at light in moderate numbers.

The larvae can be found from September to May on a variety of low-growing plants such as Bedstraw (Galium sp.), Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare), Dock (Rumex) and Dandelion (Taraxacum). Overwinters as a larva.

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