The Vestal
Image: Ben Sale from Stevenage, UK (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameThe Vestal
Scientific NameRhodometra sacraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale yellow, pink, red
HabitatOpen grassy areas, cultivated land, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeNative to tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia, migratory to Europe and parts of Australia
Host Plantsknotgrass, dock, Asteraceae
Flight PeriodMay to October (in temperate regions, continuous in native range)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are slender loopers, camouflaged amongst vegetation. Pupation occurs in a flimsy cocoon near the ground. Multiple generations per year in warmer climates.
Identification TipsThe unique diagonal pinkish-red stripe on the pale forewing is highly distinctive and makes it easy to identify this moth.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale yellow or cream wings, characterized by a prominent diagonal pinkish-red stripe running from the apex of the forewing to the inner margin. The hindwings are typically plain white or pale yellow.
