IRiband Wave > Idaea aversata
Description: Wingspan 30-35mm. 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..

Distribution: Widespread and commonly recorded in southern counties. Less frequent further north.

Behaviour: 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.

Caterpillar: The larvae can be found from September to May on a variety of low-growing plants such as bedstraw Galium spp., Knotgrass Polygonum aviculare, dock (Rumex) and dandelion (Taraxacum).

Hibernation: Overwinters as a larva.


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