Two micros from near Tring in Herts (almost in Bucks!). I'm thinking that they both might be Agonopterix species - perhaps yeatiana? Any help gratefully received!
Thanks, Andrew. I think what continues to confuse me is that heracliana seems usually to have two white spots on each wing below the smudgy black and white area at about one third. Maybe these two specimens are exceptions? Also, I thought the shape of the darker area just past the thorax in the first image looked more like yeatiana. But I am new to the micro game and don't have the experience to know what are significant variations and what are not! Best wishes, David
Well, you've put your finger on it: Quite a lot of micros require next-level attention. As Peter has suggested, I don't mind looking at the specimens, but photos will only take you so far. Since it takes a finite length of time for them to get to me, the moths will probably die. I realize not everybody is happy with that. Alternatively, they can be kept alive for a short while in a fridge and then, with a bit of luck, I or somebody can tell you what to look for in the way of features. Have you kept those 2 moths? If so, look at the underside - if it is pinkish then ciliella. Or check the fringes on the hindwings (hand-lens at the minimum): Several (5)faint stripes - ciliella. A bit tricky on old specimens.
Many thanks, Peter and Andrew for your helpful suggestions. Sadly I don't have the two moths any more as I released them after photographing them. Can I just check though - you think it is not likely that they were yeatiana? Thanks again and best wishes David
I agree that this isn't yeatiana (which is not known from Bucks and rare in Herts). As Andy has already said it is almost certainly heracliana but needs critical examination to rule out ciliella.
Most probably A. heracliana, David. There is a confusion species, though, called ciliella, which I have never seen in Herts or Bucks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrew. I think what continues to confuse me is that heracliana seems usually to have two white spots on each wing below the smudgy black and white area at about one third. Maybe these two specimens are exceptions? Also, I thought the shape of the darker area just past the thorax in the first image looked more like yeatiana. But I am new to the micro game and don't have the experience to know what are significant variations and what are not! Best wishes, David
ReplyDeleteTo be sure you will need to start keeping some examples. I'm sure Andy would be happy to help identify from kept specimens
ReplyDeleteWell, you've put your finger on it: Quite a lot of micros require next-level attention. As Peter has suggested, I don't mind looking at the specimens, but photos will only take you so far. Since it takes a finite length of time for them to get to me, the moths will probably die. I realize not everybody is happy with that. Alternatively, they can be kept alive for a short while in a fridge and then, with a bit of luck, I or somebody can tell you what to look for in the way of features.
ReplyDeleteHave you kept those 2 moths? If so, look at the underside - if it is pinkish then ciliella. Or check the fringes on the hindwings (hand-lens at the minimum): Several (5)faint stripes - ciliella. A bit tricky on old specimens.
Many thanks, Peter and Andrew for your helpful suggestions. Sadly I don't have the two moths any more as I released them after photographing them. Can I just check though - you think it is not likely that they were yeatiana?
ReplyDeleteThanks again and best wishes
David
I agree that this isn't yeatiana (which is not known from Bucks and rare in Herts). As Andy has already said it is almost certainly heracliana but needs critical examination to rule out ciliella.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave - my inexperience is showing in an area like this! Thanks for the clarification.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
David