Clifden Nonpareil - Catocala fraxini

Wingspan 75 to 95 mm. A very large species, superficially similar to some other Erebinae species, but the blue underwing colouration is unmistakable. 

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. This is a rare species in our area, and a photograph showing the underwing colouration is needed to support any records unless previously accepted by the VC55 County Moth Recorder.

Now only encountered as an immigrant to Britain.

Late August and September.

In the British Isles it is now only an immigrant, though was formerly resident in certain parts of Kent and Norfolk during the middle part of the 20th century. Nowadays, only a handful per year are recorded, mainly in the south and south-east of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.