Photo © Richard Coomber

Portland Ribbon Wave

Idaea degeneraria

Checklist Number
70.017 [B&F: 1714]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Sterrhinae
Genus:Idaea
Species:degeneraria
Authority:(Hübner, [1799])

A rare Red Data Book species, breeding in grassland and scrub on coastal limestone in Portland, Dorset. Also a rare immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing as a migrant on the southern coast of England, where it has become very much more common since the start of the 21st Century. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded from Freshwater on the Island in September 1902, thereafter at Brockenhurst in October 1962, Totton in August 1990 and Freshwater in August 1997, becoming very much more common from 2006 onwards, since when up to five have been recorded in most years. Wingspan 26-31 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.