70.018 Idaea straminata (Plain Wave)
fw: 13-15mm, ws: 28-33mm; Jun-Aug; unknown; local in open woodland and scrubby heath throughout GB
Note that §1 with fw 12.3mm is smaller than the quoted range.
Note that §1 with fw 12.3mm is smaller than the quoted range.
ID: Similar to I.aversata f. remutata (Riband Wave) but average smaller (vs fw 14-16mm); has 'muddier' wing colour; usually fainter cross-lines and 3rd cross-line has a smooth approach to the costa (kinked in I.aversata).
Male genitalia: The aedeagus of this species seems to be unique not just within this genus - I haven't seen anything like it in any other British species. The vesica is of enormous length, armed with short cornuti for a long posterior segment and with a long sclerotised line towards its anterior end. I was unable to discern any distinct tunica - probably it is very short and not readily separable from its connections to the armature.
Male genitalia: The aedeagus of this species seems to be unique not just within this genus - I haven't seen anything like it in any other British species. The vesica is of enormous length, armed with short cornuti for a long posterior segment and with a long sclerotised line towards its anterior end. I was unable to discern any distinct tunica - probably it is very short and not readily separable from its connections to the armature.
Dissection
Male genitalia
§1 New Forest, Hampshire; 31/08/2013; male; fw 12.3mm
§2 Torver, Cumbria; 12/07/2015; male; fw 14.1mm; to light
§3 Seathwaite, Cumbria; 23/07/2016; male; fw 13.4mm; to light
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Torver, Cumbria; 12/07/2015; male; fw 14.1mm; to light
§3 Seathwaite, Cumbria; 23/07/2016; male; fw 13.4mm; to light
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 24/11/2013 (§1) | §2 added 10/12/2015 | §3 added 04/07/2017