The Vestal
Rhodometra sacraria
This record describes Rhodometra sacraria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 12 to 14 mm. It is a creamy winged species with pink bars forming an inverted 'V' and also pink edges to the wings. However the amount and intensity of the pink pigmentation is somewhat variable. Typically it rests with its wings in a tent-shape. Sometimes seen on foliage but usually when attracted to light. Arriving from April to November. It flies mainly at night and is regularly attracted to light. The species breeds in southern Europe and North Africa and the caterpillars live on Knotgrass, Dock and other low plants. The Vestal is a migrant species, mainly occurring in southern England in varying numbers. In good immigration years, several hundred may appear and some may turn up almost anywhere in Britain but it is less common further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a Migrant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Rhodometra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sometimes seen on foliage but usually when attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
Arriving from April to November. It flies mainly at night and is regularly attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The species breeds in southern Europe and North Africa and the caterpillars live on Knotgrass, Dock and other low plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The Vestal is a migrant species, mainly occurring in southern England in varying numbers. In good immigration years, several hundred may appear and some may turn up almost anywhere in Britain but it is less common further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a Migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Rhodometra sacraria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of The Vestal (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Vestal
What is The Vestal?
The Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is The Vestal?
12 to 14 mm. It is a creamy winged species with pink bars forming an inverted 'V' and also pink edges to the wings. However the amount and intensity of the pink pigmentation is somewhat variable. Typically it rests with its wings in a tent-shape.
Where is The Vestal found?
Habitat: Sometimes seen on foliage but usually when attracted to light.
When is The Vestal active?
The Vestal: seasonal activity - Arriving from April to November. It flies mainly at night and is regularly attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a The Vestal?
The species breeds in southern Europe and North Africa and the caterpillars live on Knotgrass, Dock and other low plants.