Erebidae

72.085 Alchymist Catephia alchymista ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Immigrant

Similar species: Sorcerer Aedia leucomelas is smaller (14 to 16mm) and has a pale squashed triangular shaped bar to the trailing side of the kidney mark. Both species have a white hindwing with a broad black bar with small white areas outside the bar.

Forewing: 19 to 21mm

Habitats: Open woodland and scrub.

Habits: The moth comes to light, but in Britain it has mainly been recorded at sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on the regrowth and saplings of Evergreen Oak, elms and other oaks. It pupates in the leaf litter.