72.085 BF2464

The Alchymist Catephia alchymista

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 42-48 mm.

A sporadic migrant to the British Isles, having occurred a number of times, mostly in the southern counties. It seems to favour sugar rather than light, and this may explain the paucity of recent records.

Two larvae were apparently found in Sussex in 1894 but otherwise this stage has not been recorded here. Abroad, the larvae feed on oak, preferring young shoots and saplings.

The adults fly from May to July, sometimes with a second generation in September.