Riband Wave (Idaea aversata)

Status: Common and widespread.

'Of Mount Ida, Turned-away'

(Idaea = of Mount Ida: mountain in Greek mythology, aversata = turned away/averted: Latin).

The Riband Wave is found in two colour forms: the 'typical form' has a dark central band across all four wings (see the UK Moths website: http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=4170) whilst the form known as ab.remutata has the band replaced with a pair of narrow crosslines (see photos below). In West Dunbartonshire, the form ab.remutata predominates.
The ab.remutata form closely resembles the Plain Wave (Idaea straminata): the Riband Wave can be distinguished by the distinct notch in the outer crossline (near the wing-tip) and by its richer brown colouration.

Form ab.remutata

Form ab.remutata

Form ab.remutata

Flight Period: Mid June to mid August, second brood: September to October.

Foodplants: wide variety of plants, including Dock and Dandelion (polyphagous)