Scientific name: Adscita statices Flies by day in sunshine from
mid May to July. Superficially similar to the Scarce Forester
(A. globulariae) and Cistus Forester (A. geryon), care being
needed to separate these species. Often found feeding at
flowers, such as those of Devil's-bit Scabious, Field Scabious
and Marsh Thistle. Size and Family - Family – Burnets and
Foresters (Zygaenids) - Small Sized - Wing Span Range (male to
female) - 24-29mm - UK BAP: Priority Species - Local (only found
in some areas) Overwinters as a larva. At first mines the
leaves, then feeding exposed on the lower leaves. Pupates in a
cocoon spun near the ground and concealed amongst vegetation
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants Common Sorrel (Rumex
acetosa), Sheep's Sorrel (R. acetosella) - Countries – England,
Wales, Scotland, Ireland - Well distributed in England, Wales,
also in western Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. -
Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining Damp
neutral grassland, limestone grassland, chalk down