Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Hexapoda Order Lepidoptera Scientific name Euchalcia variabilis | Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta Family Noctuidae Rank Species | |
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Similar Euchalcia modestoides, Polychrysia moneta, Euchalcia consona, Diachrysia chryson, Autographa jota | ||
The Purple-shaded Gem (Euchalcia variabilis) is a moth of the Noctuidae family.
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Description
The wingspan is 34–42 mm. The upperside of the forewings is varied with rosy in the basal area. Also the transversal lines are bordered with rosy. The central area is dark brown. The dark basal line is slightly curved or almost straight. Larvae are green with a black head, numerous blackish dots, a dark stripe on the back and a yellow lateral line. This species closely resemble Euchalcia bellieri, but it is quite larger. The moth flies from June to August depending on the location.
The larvae feed from May to July on Larkspur (Delphinium species), Meadow-Rue (Thalictrum species) and Monkshood (Aconitum species).
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in woodlands, glades and mountain forests of Central and Southern Europe through the Southern Ural mountains up to Mongolia.
