70.038 BF1716

The Vestal Rhodometra sacraria

(Linnaeus, 1767)

Wingspan 22-28 mm.

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.

The amount and intensity of the pink pigmentation is somewhat variable, as can be seen from the photographs.

The species breeds in southern Europe and North Africa, and the caterpillars live on knotgrass (Polygonum), dock (Rumex) and other low plants.

It flies mainly at night and is regularly attracted to light.