54.002 BF163

The Forester Adscita statices

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 25-28 mm.

A day-flying species, the Forester is the commonest of the genus in Britain. It is widespread, but absent over wide areas. It flies in sunshine during June and July.

It can be separated by its larger wingspan from the similar Cistus Forester Adscita geryon, which only occurs in limestone districts where rock-rose grows.

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.