Noctuidae

73.013 Purple-shaded Gem Euchalcia variabilis (Piller, 1783)

Immigrant / Adventive?

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species (although similar European species exist).

Forewing: 16 to 19mm

Habitats: On mainland Europe it inhabits partially wooded mountain valleys.

Habits: There is only one confirmed record of this moth, which was at County Wicklow, Ireland in 1987. It was caught while feeding at Bramble flowers. The previous two records in England and Wales are dubious.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in the wild in Britain. In central and southern Europe the larva feeds on French Meadow-rue, Monk's-hood and Delphinium spp. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon between spun leaves.