Dotted Chestnut - Conistra rubiginea

True to its name this moth has numerous dark dots on creamy chestnut wings.

It inhabits woodland and heathland.

Flying in October and November, after which it hibernates and appears again in early spring.

The foodplants are not well known in the wild, but it is thought to feed on a number of deciduous trees.

A very local species, occurring mainly in the south and south east of England, but occasional scattered occurrences elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

The Leicester Forest East record on 21st March 2012 was the first in  VC55 for 100 years, but the species is now turning up more often in our area..