OK - having been told that my last post was indeed a Brindled Pug, I'm boldly claiming that the two below are Brindled and Common. Am I right? And isn't it a bit early for Common Pug?
Best wishes, David
A Blog for moth recorders in Bucks, Berks and Oxon
Well, sticking my neck out I think you are probably correct with Common for the second, but the first (rather a dark image) actually looks to me more like Oak-tree from its wing shape and the rather more substantial discal spot. Nobody likes ID'ing Pugs, especially from other people's photos!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, its a horrible challenge. For me, they're both Brindled Pugs :)
ReplyDeleteWith the usual disclaimers, I thought that the earlier post showed a Brindled, while the first of the two above I agree with Dave is more like Oak-tree - but the second I think might also be a Brindled with the dark 'arrowheads' on the post-median line. On the question of a pale sub-terminal line/spots, some online examples of these Pugs also show this e.g., https://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk/files/idtips/1852-brindled-pug-1853-oak-tree-pug.jpg
ReplyDeleteOoh! I love a bit of controversy! It's interesting, isn't it, because both specimens are pretty fresh - which goes to show how tricky this group is. I got to Common Pug (for No 2) because of the white spots and faint white line around the forewing's inner margin. Is that diagnostic?
ReplyDeleteBlimey! Quite early in the season for Pug confusion but I can see why. I think Oak-tree for the first (pale area beyond discal spot and rounded wing-tips) and Brindled for the second.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marc - both are Brindled. The second one looks a bit like Common until you zoom in.
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