Forester Adscita statices

The Forester (Adscita statices) is a small, metallic-green day-flying moth of unimproved grassland, its larvae feeding on Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) in traditionally managed meadows and grassland with abundant wildflowers. It has declined across Britain due to the loss of unimproved grassland through agricultural intensification, and is now a local and scarce species. In Suffolk, it is associated with unimproved and semi-improved grassland in river valleys, coastal grassland, and heathland edges where sorrel is plentiful. Flying in June, it is most likely to be encountered in sunshine at flower-rich grassland sites. Maintaining traditionally managed, unimproved grassland through hay cutting and light grazing supports this attractive moth. Image: © Stuart Read, Flickr.

Find out more: iNaturalist, UK Moths, Suffolk Moths