54.001 Scarce Forester Copyright Martin Evans
54.001 Scarce Forester, Forester and Cistus Forester Copyright Martin Evans
54.001 Scarce Forester, Forester and Cistus Forester male antennae Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 54.001 Scarce Forester Copyright Martin Evans

Zygaenidae

54.001 Scarce Forester Jordanita globulariae (Hübner, 1793)

Notable A

Similar species: Forester Adscita statices has narrower, less rounded forewings. The males have 9 to 11 merged segments at the tip of the antennae. The females antennae thicken towards the tip. Cistus Forester Adscita geryon is smaller (M 10 to 12mm, F 9 to 10mm). The males have 8 to 10 merged segments at the tip of the antennae. The females antennae thicken towards the tip.

Forewing: M 12 to 15mm, F 10 to 12mm

Habitats: Dry unimproved, calcareous grassland slopes with a medium height sward.

Habits: Both sexes sit on grass stems during dull weather and visit flowers when it is sunny. The male flies much more actively in periods of warm sunshine.

Foodplant: At first the larva forms a blotch mine on a leaf of Common Knapweed or Greater Knapweed, then after a month it feeds on the underside of a leaf. It overwinters low down and then feeds again in the spring. It pupates in a grey-brown cocoon at soil level.