Idaea straminata, Plain Wave Moth

Common Name: Plain Wave

Idaea straminata, more commonly known as the Plain Wave, has a wingspan of 28 - 33 mm and is widely distributed throughout Britain, but relatively uncommon. Like many of its close relatives, the larvae feed on dandelion (Taraxacum) and knotgrass (Polygonum).

It is single-brooded, flying in July. Care has to be taken with the identification of this species, as it closely resembles the remutata form of Riband Wave, (Idaea aversata) although the latter has a more angled outer cross-line near the wing tip.

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