Alchymist
Common NameAlchymist
Scientific NameCatephia alchymista
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, sloe, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on oak and other woody plants, pupating in a cocoon among leaves or in the soil. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the prominent white triangular patch on the dark hindwings, which is often visible even when the moth is at rest with forewings overlapping.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically mottled dark brown and greyish forewings, and striking dark brown hindwings each featuring a prominent white triangular patch.
