This appeared in my actinic trap last night, presumably having dropped in from trees above the trap. I think perhaps it is Angle Shades, but I don't have any reference books for larvae so I'm struggling.
Hello Phil, A view from directly on top isn't always that helpful for a noctuid larva because we can't see the spiracles or any lateral lines in that area. In this case the head capsule isn't visible either and that can be another useful aid to ID. However, what we can see does look to be a good match for Angle Shades and in any case there aren't too many likely choices for a final instar larva at this time of year. Angle Shades feeds mostly on low-growing plants so the chances are it has walked to the light and then fallen in.
That would be great, but like a lot of adult moths, a single photo taken from about 45 degrees above will often show everything that's needed. It depends upon how co-operative the larva is!
Thanks, but I assume that rearing to adult requires one to know what the food plant is, and in this case the larva was in my light trap, so I have no idea what the food plant might have been. The second query I posted was of a larva on my garage door, again with no food plant anywhere in sight. I will have to get the larvae field guide.
Hello Phil,
ReplyDeleteA view from directly on top isn't always that helpful for a noctuid larva because we can't see the spiracles or any lateral lines in that area. In this case the head capsule isn't visible either and that can be another useful aid to ID. However, what we can see does look to be a good match for Angle Shades and in any case there aren't too many likely choices for a final instar larva at this time of year. Angle Shades feeds mostly on low-growing plants so the chances are it has walked to the light and then fallen in.
Thanks Dave,
ReplyDeleteI'll make sure I get photos of larvae from all angles in future.
That would be great, but like a lot of adult moths, a single photo taken from about 45 degrees above will often show everything that's needed. It depends upon how co-operative the larva is!
DeleteThe best way is to rear it to adult. There is also a very good larvae field guide.
ReplyDeleteThanks, but I assume that rearing to adult requires one to know what the food plant is, and in this case the larva was in my light trap, so I have no idea what the food plant might have been.
ReplyDeleteThe second query I posted was of a larva on my garage door, again with no food plant anywhere in sight.
I will have to get the larvae field guide.