Photo © Mike Wall
Tawny Prominent
Harpyia milhauseri
Checklist Number71.008 [B&F: 2004]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Notodontidae |
| Subfamily: | Dicranurinae |
| Genus: | Harpyia |
| Species: | milhauseri |
| Authority: | (Fabricius, 1775) |
Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from mainland Europe, appearing in the south. The first specimen of this Palaearctic species was taken at light in June 1966 at Aldwick Bay, Sussex; subsequently recorded in Kent in 1993. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 50-60 mm. Although fairly distinctive, could be confused with Pebble Prominent Notodonta ziczac, and it is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on Evergreen Oak, Beech, Hornbeam, Silver Birch and Downy Birch, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
