Nine-spotted

Amata phegea

Checklist Number
72.0501 [B&F: 2070]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Arctiinae
Genus:Amata
Species:phegea
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from mainland Europe, appearing in southern England. One was in Essex in 2000. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 37-42 mm. There are several very similar European species, so the specimen should be retained for confirmation of identification. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as White Dead-nettle, Red Dead-nettle and Dandelion, no evidence of breeding in the UK.