Saturday, 26 September 2020

Help, please!



These two moths turned up in my trap on Monday 21st. I'm confused as to whether I have Clays, White-points or one of each. Isn't it too late in the year for Clay? Grateful for any help! David

3 comments:

  1. Hi David, they're both White-points for me.

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  2. Yes, both White-point. The overall shape of Clay and White-point is one of the easiest ways to distinguish them, White-point being fairly "stubby" while Clay is a larger moth which is longer in the wing. The shape of the white spot varies in both species but is usually more circular in White-point and more of a tear-drop in Clay. White-point used to be regarded as a migrant but it is now well established with two broods throughout our area, although probably still topped-up annually by migration. As you say, David, it is theoretically too late for Clay now but these days we do have to be a little bit careful in dismissing things based on flight-time alone!

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  3. Really helpful - thanks to both of you!
    David

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