Riband Wave
Common NameRiband Wave
Scientific NameIdaea aversata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorspale grey, light brown
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground, fens, marshes
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, bedstraws, cleavers, plantains, nettle
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon spun amongst leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale ground colour and the characteristic wavy transverse lines. It has two main forms: a plain form (as pictured) and a banded form (f. *aversata*) with a darker central band across the wings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale greyish-tan wings adorned with several fine, wavy, darker grey-brown transverse lines. The hindwings have a slightly scalloped margin.
