73.013 BF2438

Purple-shaded Gem Euchalcia variabilis

(Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783)

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Wingspan 34-42 mm.

Unfortunately, this attractive species may not have reliably been recorded in Britain. The moth was said to have occurred at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, but the records are felt to be dubious. A single moth was found in Co. Wicklow in Ireland in 1887, but may have been accidentally introduced. There have been no records since.

The species flies from May to July, and occurs in mainland Europe, where its larvae feed on larkspur (Delphinium) and monkshood (Aconitum).