Pine Beauty - Panolis flammea

Wingspan 30-33 mm. Unmistakable with a large white kidney mark drawn out close to leading edge towards wing tip. Forewing rather narrow and pointed orange brown, reddish brown or brick red often yellowish along the outer edge and sometimes dusted white.

It occupies coniferous forests and plantations, mixed woodlands, parks and gardens.

Flying in March and April. The adults rest among the spring buds of coniferous trees, well camouflaged. They also feed in spring on Willow and are attracted to light.

The larvae feed on the needles of Scots Pine as well as other Pinaceae, and themselves are difficult to see with their longitudinal stripes.

This species is quite common over much of Britain in suitable habitat. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)