Beautiful Marbled Eublemma purpurina

Wingspan c.25mm.

This very attractive species was first noted in Britain when an individual was trapped at Portland in Dorset, in August 2004. Subsequent investigation revealed that a number of individuals appeared around the south coast around this time, some predating the initial record, and in fact a hitherto misidentified specimen was unearthed from 2001.

The species has since occurred on a number of occasions, all in the south and south-east of England. Occurring in mainland Europe, the larvae of this species feed on thistles (Cirsium), and inhabit open, dry grassland.