The Forester - Adscita statices

Wingspan 25 to 28 mm. This shiny emerald green coloured moth can be separated by its larger wingspan from the similar Cistus Forester (Adscita geryon), which only occurs in limestone districts where rock-rose grows.

Meadows where the larval foodplant is present.

A day-flying species, it flies in sunshine during June and July.

The larva initially mines a leaf of Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) in July and August, and then feeds externally on lower leaves until May, when it pupates in a cocoon near the ground among vegetation.

The Forester is the commonest of the genus in Britain. It is widespread but absent over wide areas. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional or little recorded in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant). Leicestershire & Rutland Distribution Map.