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.

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.

Size and Family

  • Family – Burnets and Foresters (Zygaenids)
  • Small Sized 
  • Wingspan Range 24-29mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Priority species
  • Local (only found in some areas)

    Caterpillar Food Plants

    Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)

    Habitat

    Damp neutral grassland, limestone grassland, chalk downland, breck grassland, sandy heathland, sand dunes, woodland rides and clearings.

    Distribution

    • 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

    Factsheets

    Forester - Iain Leach

    Forester - Iain Leach

    Forester by Ilia Ustyantsev

    Forester

    Forester by Ilia Ustyantsev

    Forester

    Forester by Tapio Kujala

    Forester

    Forester - Koen Thonissen

    Forester

    Forester by John Money

    Forester

    Forester - Allan Drewitt

    Forester

    Forester - Vlad Proklov

    Forester

    Foresters by John Money

    Foresters

    Forester - Ervin Szombathelyi

    Forester