FORESTER MOTH

(Procris, or Ino), any of a genus of moths of the family Zygaenidae that are closely related to the burnet moths and are widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. The adult moth has shining green forewings (span about three centimetres), translucent, dark hind wings, and an iridescent body. The insect's green appearance at rest may have given rise to the common name forester. Young larvae bore into leaves of various herbaceous plants and feed within the tissues. Larger larvae stay under leaves and spin a tough, white, silken cocoon in which to pupate, often on a grass stem. Adult foresters are weak fliers and take to the wing only in sunshine.