Photo © Nick Montegriffo
Tunbridge Wells Gem
Chrysodeixis acuta
Checklist Number73.009 [B&F: 2429]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Rare immigrant from North Africa, appearing occasionally in southern England. In Hampshire first recorded at Burghclere in 1955, and on the Isle of Wight, recorded in 1988 and 1995. In 2015, two individuals turned up in South Hampshire, at Portsmouth and Totton. Wingspan 36-46 mm. The main confusion species is Golden Twin-spot C. chalcites, but C. acuta is larger, with more pointed forewings, which are largely purplish-brown, with the silver markings in the centre of the forewing larger and fuller. Larva feeds on Tomato and various Leguminosae; no 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater (SZ38) | 19/10/1988 | one | Sam Knill-Jones | Adult |
| Binsted (SZ59) | 27/10/1995 | one | Brian Warne | Adult |
VC11 South Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totton (SU31) | 09/10/2015 | one | Lyz Hankinson | Adult |
| Southsea (SZ69) | 18/12/2015 | one | John R Langmaid | Adult |
VC12 North Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burghclere (SU46) | 05/11/1955 | one | Robert Saundby | Adult |
