Yes, this melanic form of Cydalima perspectalis does turn up fairly frequently.
By the way, don't forget to give each post a title (see under "You're ready to start posting" on the Getting Started tab). It is also helpful to mention roughly where you are because we cover quite a large area. Thanks!
Thank you, Dave, for both comments. I am between Oxford centre and Headington so deeply suburban, though South Park is close. I guess that the common/lesser rustic had had a bird at it to lose so many scales - I am struck by how evenly the scales were lost on both wings, and it was very small.
Yes, it could indeed be a bird, but sometimes things like this happen when the exit from the pupa doesn't go correctly for whatever reason. Anyway, it won't stop it from flying or finding a mate which is the main thing.
Yes, this melanic form of Cydalima perspectalis does turn up fairly frequently.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, don't forget to give each post a title (see under "You're ready to start posting" on the Getting Started tab). It is also helpful to mention roughly where you are because we cover quite a large area. Thanks!
Thank you, Dave, for both comments. I am between Oxford centre and Headington so deeply suburban, though South Park is close.
DeleteI guess that the common/lesser rustic had had a bird at it to lose so many scales - I am struck by how evenly the scales were lost on both wings, and it was very small.
Yes, it could indeed be a bird, but sometimes things like this happen when the exit from the pupa doesn't go correctly for whatever reason. Anyway, it won't stop it from flying or finding a mate which is the main thing.
Delete