Help with unusual moth please

[angelacooper]

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help please - took a photo of a beautiful moth, and tried to identify it from various sites. It appears to be a Scarce Merveille du Jour - but they are only supposed to be in the South East and I live in North Devon! I don't know how to post my photo here is there anyone I can email it to to confirm please? Many thanks.

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Angela
It could well be a Scarce Merveille du Jour,the National Biodiversity Network site shows these as being in your area!(have a look)And the flight time rules out Merveille du Jour.

Cheers Jason

[angelacooper]

Thanks Jason - I was sure my identification was right, and now you say they are in my area, I am absolutely certain. I'll try and put my photo in the Gallery. Many thanks.
Angela

[angelacooper]

Here is my photo

[pete76]

Are you anywhere near Great Torrington? Apparently there's a population in the area. They can be found in pockets all along the south coast - south Wiltshire, New Forest, W & E Sussex and Kent.

Rare, nice find!

[angelacooper]

Hi Pete,
Yes, I am just outside Great Torrington, we adjoin Torrington Common. The funny thing is that I was taking a photo of a Poplar Hawkmoth on the ivy, and noticed this pretty little one about a foot away - turned out to be a lot more interesting!

[Jason Claxton]

Yes Angela, definitely a Scarce Merveille du Jour,it seems to be more frequent now near me,but I'm not sure what its status is near you.I'm sure the Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation would be interested,if you visit their site you will see details on how to electronically submit a record.Well done on posting the photo too.

Cheers Jason.

[angelacooper]

Thanks Jason, nice to have it confirmed by the experts! I am a member of Butterfly Conservation so will dig out the contact details of the Devon branch and let them know.
Thanks for your help.