Saturday 18 February 2023

Which Yponomeuta?

 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?



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3 comments:

  1. John Thacker18 February 2023 at 10:32

    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#).

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  2. Dave Wilton18 February 2023 at 10:42

    Hello David,
    Of 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.

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  3. David Dennis18 February 2023 at 23:58

    Thanks guys, both of you, for the helpful pointers.

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