Status Local. Well recorded in the Brecks, and at scattered sites along the coast. Flies in sunshine feeding at flowers in open habitats, damp grassland, chalk, heathland.
The only green Forester moth found in Norfolk, the similar Cistus Forester does not occur.
The Forester may not always appear Green. The moth has a humidity-dependent colour-changing ability, changing its colour from green during the day to red when night falls. In a recent study by University of Fribourg and Lund University, researchers have dubbed these moths "living water vapour sensors", the water causing a distortion of the light. More info...
S41 - UK BAP priority species.Recorded in 31 (42%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1834. Last Recorded in 2023. |