Photo © Mike Wall
Accent Gem
Ctenoplusia accentifera
Checklist Number73.006 [B&F: 2431]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from southern Europe, appearing in south-eastern England once: a somewhat worn specimen taken in a light-trap at Halstead, Kent, on 10 September 1969. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 28-30 mm. Accent Gem is much smaller than any other British member of the Plusiinae except f. gammina of Silver Y Autographa gamma, which has a clear silver gamma at the reniform stigma (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on Corn Mint, Spear Mint and Cocklebur, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
