Vestal

This elegant, bell-shaped geometrid moth is an immigrant from southern Europe and north Africa. When at rest, their wings are pitched like a tent, although this is not apparent in the photo. It is frequent here, fairly frequent in England and Wales and has reached as far north as Orkney. They are mostly recorded during August and September, but may be seen between April and November.

The colour if this moth can be variable. Interestingly, this is due to the temperature surrounding the pupae. Higher temperatures cause a lemon yellow background with pink markings. The one from my trap experienced lower temperatures with its buff colouring and brown markings.

GB Status: Immigrant, unable to overwinter. abundance is increasing.

Food plants: knotgrass, docks, some other herbaceous plants

Habitat: warm, sunny areas

Also recorded in Alderney, and in Jersey before 1970. Jersey is closer to France and continental species generally occur there more frequently.