Riband Wave
Idaea aversata
This record describes Idaea aversata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. Wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, woodland, heathland, calcareous grassland and fens. 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 and Dandelion. A common species throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Idaea aversata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaea aversata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometer Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sterrhinae
- Tribe
- Sterrhini
- Genus
- Idaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, woodland, heathland, calcareous grassland and fens.
Seasonal Activity
It tends to fly between June and August and sometimes has a second autumn brood in the south.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a range of low plants such as Dock and Dandelion.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Idaea aversata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Riband Wave (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riband Wave
What is Riband Wave?
Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Riband Wave found?
Habitat: Wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, woodland, heathland, calcareous grassland and fens.
When is Riband Wave active?
Riband Wave: seasonal activity - It tends to fly between June and August and sometimes has a second autumn brood in the south..
What is the life cycle of a Riband Wave?
The larvae feed on a range of low plants such as Dock and Dandelion.