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Thursday, 12 November 2020
November Moth agg. vs Winter Moth agg.
I have trouble with thse, possibly because I don't get many. The first below I'm thinking is definately November Moth agg., the second I'm not so sure.
Hi Mark, To me the most obvious difference, apart from size (November moths generally a good bit larger), is that the Winter Moths have an almost perfectly rounded wing apex, while the November Moths have a more pointed apex. On this criterion both of your specimens are November Moth agg., although it is a bit difficult to see with the first one because of the odd angle of your photo. There are other differences in banding pattern and colour which I find difficult to describe succinctly, partly because they show some variation (you will appreciate these when seeing more specimens e.g. see online images). In my experience, the type seen in your second moth with little banding pattern (mostly veins visible) is quite often seen and is illustrated in the WTL guide - I don't know if this is due to wear?
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteTo me the most obvious difference, apart from size (November moths generally a good bit larger), is that the Winter Moths have an almost perfectly rounded wing apex, while the November Moths have a more pointed apex. On this criterion both of your specimens are November Moth agg., although it is a bit difficult to see with the first one because of the odd angle of your photo. There are other differences in banding pattern and colour which I find difficult to describe succinctly, partly because they show some variation (you will appreciate these when seeing more specimens e.g. see online images). In my experience, the type seen in your second moth with little banding pattern (mostly veins visible) is quite often seen and is illustrated in the WTL guide - I don't know if this is due to wear?
thanks John!
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