Riband Wave
Common NameRiband Wave
Scientific NameIdaea aversata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorslight brown, dark brown, cream
HabitatWoodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, grasslands, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, knotgrass, dock, bedstraw, chickweed
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are slender, brownish 'loopers' that feed on various low-growing plants and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, light brown ground color, and the two distinct, wavy dark bands on the forewings. Males are easily identified by their strongly bipectinate antennae. Note that the banding pattern can be variable.
Description
A small, light brown moth characterized by two prominent, wavy dark brown transverse bands across its forewings, with the male exhibiting conspicuously feathery antennae.
