I think these two are both the same species, Scoparia ambigualis, although the members of this family can often be quite difficult to separate.
If you can get hold of a copy of the book "Common Micro-moths of Berkshire" by Asher et al, which was published seven or eight years ago by the Berkshire Moth Group you'll find it really helpful in getting to grips with this little group. I think it is now out of print but you may still be able to find it through one of the entomological book suppliers.
Hi Nic, Nice photos, but these are often difficult to be certain about even when not worn, as here. To me the second one is likely to be Scoparia ambigualis: narrowish shape, black central X mark set in brownish shading, second (white) crossline relatively smooth and does not quite make a second (white) X with diffuse white sub-terminal marks and there is a small triangular peak (white with dark centre) near the trailing edge. The first moth might also be S. ambigualis (because it is quite variable), but it does have a more rounded forewing with overall a more 'speckled' appearance (more white scales) and the second crossline is rather zig-zag - these features could indicate S. basistrigalis, but basal dark streaks are not much in evidence (or no more so than on the second moth). I will be interested to see what more experienced recorders suggest.
Thank you very much Dave & John. Fantastic replies. I think I have tracked down "Common Micro-moths of Berkshire", thanks for the recommendation. I had wondered if these two were the same species. Plenty to digest! Regards, Nic.
Hi Nic, welcome to the world of mothing! I can thoroughly recommend the micro book for this family of moths in particular where the ID notes go way beyond any other source
Hello Nic,
ReplyDeleteI think these two are both the same species, Scoparia ambigualis, although the members of this family can often be quite difficult to separate.
If you can get hold of a copy of the book "Common Micro-moths of Berkshire" by Asher et al, which was published seven or eight years ago by the Berkshire Moth Group you'll find it really helpful in getting to grips with this little group. I think it is now out of print but you may still be able to find it through one of the entomological book suppliers.
Hi Nic, Nice photos, but these are often difficult to be certain about even when not worn, as here. To me the second one is likely to be Scoparia ambigualis: narrowish shape, black central X mark set in brownish shading, second (white) crossline relatively smooth and does not quite make a second (white) X with diffuse white sub-terminal marks and there is a small triangular peak (white with dark centre) near the trailing edge. The first moth might also be S. ambigualis (because it is quite variable), but it does have a more rounded forewing with overall a more 'speckled' appearance (more white scales) and the second crossline is rather zig-zag - these features could indicate S. basistrigalis, but basal dark streaks are not much in evidence (or no more so than on the second moth). I will be interested to see what more experienced recorders suggest.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Dave & John. Fantastic replies. I think I have tracked down "Common Micro-moths of Berkshire", thanks for the recommendation. I had wondered if these two were the same species. Plenty to digest!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Nic.
Hi Nic, welcome to the world of mothing! I can thoroughly recommend the micro book for this family of moths in particular where the ID notes go way beyond any other source
ReplyDelete