Idaea biselata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Description: Wingspan 22-25mm. Adults generally have pale, ochreous-coloured wings, although this can vary between individuals. The median cross lines are darker and there is a greyish outer border. There is a small discal spot on each wing.

Similar Species: In common with many of the waves adults can be difficult to identify with certainty if worn. Examination of the genitalia is recommended to correctly determine these closely related species.

Key Identification Features:

• Small discal spot on each wing
• Darkish patches near the apex of the forewings
• Difficult to identify with certainty if worn

Sets:

Flight Period: End of June to late August.

Status: Common and widespread especially in southern counties. More sporadic north of Lough Neagh and mainly confined to coastal localities.

Ecology: A small species commonly associated with woodland habitats. Occasionally found during the day and also at night when it appears frequently at light. The larvae feed on a variety of plants including Dandelion Taraxacum officinale, plantain Plantago spp., and Bramble Rubus fruticosus. It overwinters as a larva.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1702 Agassiz number: 70.013

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: