The Vestal - Rhodometra sacraria

Size 12 to 14 mm. It is a creamy winged species with pink bars forming an inverted 'V' and also pink edges to the wings. However the amount and intensity of the pink pigmentation is somewhat variable. Typically it rests with its wings in a tent-shape.

Sometimes seen on foliage but usually when attracted to light.

Arriving from April to November. It flies mainly at night and is regularly attracted to light.

The species breeds in southern Europe and North Africa and the caterpillars live on Knotgrass, Dock and other low plants.

The Vestal is a migrant species, mainly occurring in southern England in varying numbers. In good immigration years, several hundred may appear and some may turn up almost anywhere in Britain but it is less common further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a Migrant.

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