Photo © Mike Wall
Alchymist
Catephia alchymista
Checklist Number72.085 [B&F: 2464]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Rare immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing in southern England. There were about 11 authenticated specimens recorded up to 1934, since when recorded only twice: at Middleton-on-Sea, Sussex, in July 1963 and at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, in August 2006. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there were two at Bembridge in the late 19th Century. Wingspan 42-50 mm. The most likely confusion species is Sorcerer Aedia leucomelas, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Evergreen Oak, very limited evidence of breeding in the UK.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Larval | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
VC10 Isle of Wight
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bembridge (SZ68) | 13/09/1858 | one | Alec Harmer | Adult |
| Bembridge (SZ68) | 1867 | one | Steve Keen | Adult |
