Hi there,
30 moths in the trap last night - 5 species in total, with a Pale Brindled Beauty turning up rather early in the winter. I had a good range of Mottled Umber in all its variety of forms, and the three moths shown, where I'm not sure between Mottled and Scarce Umber. Please put me straight!
Many thanks and best wishes
David
I think the middle one is Scarce, but I'm particularly unsure about the other two because of the shape of the outer cross-line.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteFor me they're all Scarce Umber. If you look at the two cross-lines closest to the head, when the moth is at rest they join up with those on the other wing to form a couple of straight lines. On Mottled Umber there's generally only one cross-line in that position and (if it is present at all) it is kinked where the wings come together so doesn't form a straight line. The extent of the kink in the outer cross-line on Scarce Umber is generally much less than that on Mottled Umber but it can vary quite a bit, hence your confusion. It helps not to take a picture when the moth is "playing dead" and its wings are in an unnatural position - tip it out then leave it for several minutes and it should eventually return to resting normally with its legs out. You'll then see that Scarce Umber is much more "triangular" in appearance when at rest than is Mottled Umber.
That's brilliant, Dave - thanks for the detailed advice.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
David