1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata
(Linnaeus, 1758)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)