Hello David, As is often the case, pronouncing on IDs is so much easier with the specimen actually in your hand rather than in a two-dimensional photograph. Nutmeg always seems to me to be a fairly 'slight' moth whereas your individual looks quite 'chunky'. To me neither the wing shape nor the markings look quite right for Nutmeg either, although the markings are certainly similar in many respects. Another thing against Nutmeg is that it appears in two generations and the first is almost certainly over by now, although it shouldn't be dismissed just on the basis of flight period. While I'm very open to correction, I suspect that your moth is actually the rather variable "problem species of the moment", Dusky Brocade.
Hi David (and Dave), I would have gone for a different Apamea species: Large Nutmeg, because of the large 'sharp-pointed' lobes on the first (antemedian) crossline, and the pale patches near to the wing apex, as well as the generally mottled appearance.
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteAs is often the case, pronouncing on IDs is so much easier with the specimen actually in your hand rather than in a two-dimensional photograph. Nutmeg always seems to me to be a fairly 'slight' moth whereas your individual looks quite 'chunky'. To me neither the wing shape nor the markings look quite right for Nutmeg either, although the markings are certainly similar in many respects. Another thing against Nutmeg is that it appears in two generations and the first is almost certainly over by now, although it shouldn't be dismissed just on the basis of flight period. While I'm very open to correction, I suspect that your moth is actually the rather variable "problem species of the moment", Dusky Brocade.
Hi David (and Dave), I would have gone for a different Apamea species: Large Nutmeg, because of the large 'sharp-pointed' lobes on the first (antemedian) crossline, and the pale patches near to the wing apex, as well as the generally mottled appearance.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks! I'm reassured that this one isn't easy - makes me feel better!
ReplyDeleteDavid