Idaea aversata (Linnaeus, 1758)

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.

Similar Species: Distinguished from the Plain Wave I. 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.

Key Identification Features:

• Distinguished from the Plain Wave I. straminata by the absence of the discal spots
• Sub-terminal line is straight rather than indented.
• Banded form has a well-defined darkish broad band across all wings

Sets:

Flight Period: From the beginning of June to the end of August.

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

Ecology: Commonly encountered in a wide variety of habitats. Adults appear frequently at light in moderate numbers. The larvae can be found from September to May on a variety of low-growing plants such as bedstraw Galium spp. and Knotgrass Polygonum aviculare. It overwinters as a larva.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1713 Agassiz number: 70.016

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: