Norfolk status Scarce immigrant. A sporadic migrant to southern England from south Europe, larvae are rarely found.
Very few adult moths have ever been recorded in Norfolk. The most recent was netted in a garden at Snettisham on Aug 11th 2003 by a young boy (A. Peach), although it is thought by many that this was a bred specimen. Another example was recently determined, found in an old moth collection, taken at MV light in Scole. (M. Hall, 30/07/1990)
Barrett [VCH 1901] Deilephila euphorbiae, Linn. "I had the singularly good fortune to capture a male specimen, hovering at flowers of verbena, in my garden at King's Lynn, on September 7th, 1887. This I believe to be the only example ever taken in the county."
The rare discovery of a larva was spotted feeding on Sea Spurge and photographed on the beach near Heacham in October 2022. (N. Harris, 21/10/2022). Prior to this a larva was last seen in Norfolk in 1952, crossing a towing-path adjoining a marsh at Martham. The adult moth was bred out and emerged in 1954 after being in the pupal stage for two years.
Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.
Recorded in 5 (7%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1887. Last Recorded in 2022. Additional Stats
