Identification

Status is unclear due to confusion with the un-banded form of the Riband Wave. The subterminal line is prominent and curved towards the costa whereas it is sharply angled in the Riband Wave.  A quality photo is required for a record to be accepted.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to May, with pupation among plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Larval foodplant not known in the wild.

Habitat

Open woodland, scrub and some gardens.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in VC72 in 1862 on the Tinwald Downs, Dumfries by Lennon who said it was ‘very rare’.  The first record for VC74 was not until 1983 from Clayshant, Torrs Warren in 1983 by Duncan and for VC73 in 1990 at Mabie Forest in the Rothamsted moth trap.