70.016 BF1713

Riband Wave Idaea aversata

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 23-30 mm.

Two distinct forms occur of this species, roughly equal in numbers. The typical form has a dark band across all four wings, whereas the plain form, known as ab. remutata, only has narrow cross-lines.

A common species throughout Britain, it tends to fly between June and August, and sometimes has a second autumn brood in the south.

The larvae feed on a range of low plants such as dock (Rumex) and dandelion (Taraxacum)