Intrigued to find what I think is both forms of Green brindled crescent (Allophyes Oxyacanthae and the melanic A O .ab capucina) in my trap last week. So perhaps confirmation that suburbia is increasing here in leafy south bucks!
A Blog for moth recorders in Bucks, Berks and Oxon
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Hi Mary-Anne
ReplyDeleteYes, both are Green-brindled Crescent and the dark form is easily recognisable as such because that white marking half way along the trailing edge of the wing (forming an upturned 'U' when at rest) is always visible. In my experience Capucina is quite a common aberration (actually, 'form' might be a better description because aberration infers something rare) and I see a good number each year up here in the mid-Bucks flatlands, some distance from suburbia. I've recorded 132 Green-brindled Crescents to date this year and 23 of them have been of that dark form.
Thank you, Dave. Interesting how both forms are now common - perhaps the link with urban areas was supposition from the records but whatever the reason for evolution the dark form seems a successful development. It was fun to see both together in my trap!
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