Morley's Final Catalogue: Sussex, Surrey, Essex, Norfolk and possibly Yorks only, but nowhere so common as in Suffolk. With this species seems, like Emmelia trabealis above, confined to ancient estuaries, though of recent years it has spread considerably along our coast also. One at light in Ipswich during 1901 (Pyett); one sitting on ragwort flower just before dusk at Martlesham on 5 August 1926 (Mly); Hemley in 1901 and Thorpness in 1934 (Wlr). Plentiful in a sandy patch near Orford in August 1933 (Trans, ii, 291); on sandhills to the north of Aldeburgh on 9 July 1892 (Ctw; not in Hele) and near Aldeburgh in 1934 (Trans. ii, 295); Leiston before 1890 (Hon. B. de Grey); at light in Southwold on 25 July 1900 (Mly). It is in much greater profusion in the Breck where Wratislaw, who there discovered it, states ''above sixty were taken in Suffolk during 1868'' (Suff. Inst. 4ly Jour. 1869, 23; Proc. iv, 1870, 218); abundant at Tuddenham in August 1884 (Meek, Ent. xvii, 278; EMM. 1909, 90); but extending to Brandon, Thetford, Barnham heath (Sparke), Eriswell in 1936 (Gd), Worlington, Icklingham (Trans. ii, p. clxxxiv) and surrounding vicinity.

Recent Suffolk Status: Scarce resident in the Brecks and Sandlings, the main strongholds for this rare species in the UK.

Life history: Double brooded. Can be disturbed from vegetation during the day and seen on flowers as well as at light.

Identification: Bright wave is sandy brown and has a pointed forewing. Purple bordered gold has a yellow spot in the centre of the forewing.

Habitat: Heathland, acid grassland and open rides in foresty areas.

Recorded in 35 (60%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1884. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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