Hi there,
Another photo from last August near Chesham. I think I've narrowed this down to malinellus or cagnagella, but not sure I can rule out rorrella or padella, although I think the apparent 'grey' areas are more shadow than pigment. We have willow, spindle and apple in the garden!
Can anyone help with a more specific ID?
Hi David, to identify Y. cagnagella, malinellus or padella they usually have to be reared from their respective host plants. However, although your photo is not ideal, you might look at a note from Dave a couple of years ago on the identification of Y. rorrella :(https://upperthamesmoths.blogspot.com/2021/07/westcott-bucks_29.html#).
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteOf the four you mention, Yponomeuta rorrella can be identified on looks from a fresh specimen if you are careful but the other three (padella, malinellus & cagnagella) cannot be separated as adults, either on looks or by dissection. In order to get a safe record for any of them as adults you will need to find larvae on the correct food-plant and rear them through.
Thanks guys, both of you, for the helpful pointers.
ReplyDelete