The choice is between Agonopterix heracliana and A.ciliella. The chances are they're both Agonopterix heracliana (a. male and b. female) because I can see no hint of pink on the undersides of either one. However, you should record them as Agonopterix heracliana/ciliella agg. unless you've had a few critically examined to know what you might get in your garden, especially at this time of year when the moths have been around a long time and can be very worn. The number of lines in the hind-wing cilia is supposed to separate them but I've always found this to be very subjective and dissection (of males) is best.
The choice is between Agonopterix heracliana and A.ciliella. The chances are they're both Agonopterix heracliana (a. male and b. female) because I can see no hint of pink on the undersides of either one. However, you should record them as Agonopterix heracliana/ciliella agg. unless you've had a few critically examined to know what you might get in your garden, especially at this time of year when the moths have been around a long time and can be very worn. The number of lines in the hind-wing cilia is supposed to separate them but I've always found this to be very subjective and dissection (of males) is best.
ReplyDeleteI'm very grateful Dave.
DeleteAlan