Friday 11 August 2017

Copper Underwing query

Had a Copper Underwing in the trap last week - at least I think it is. Have attached a picture of the underside and the copper/orange marks seem to stop at the dark cross-line so is that sufficient to confirm this ... ?  or is this going to be another Copper Underwing agg ?



5 comments:

  1. Howard - the general pale colour of the underside of the palps suggest copper u/w to me. With Svensson`s copper u/w, it`s only the very tips that are contrastingly pale. Excellent photos, as always.

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  2. I think there was a paper a few years ago suggesting the markings on the palps aren't 100% reliable for separating the two. I must admit I only really use the underside hindwing markings - much more contrasting in Copper Underwing than Svensson's. See:

    http://perhoset.perhostutkijainseura.fi/historia/amphipyrinae/maaritys/amp-pyram-berb-maaritys-alap.jpg

    Yours looks spot on for Copper Underwing to me.

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  3. I'm also happy with Copper for this one, based mainly on the underside of the hindwings.

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  4. Thanks all. The first Copper Underwing that I can be sure of .

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  5. I find the palps are a useful guide (but not 100%) - check u/w too. Light palps - 2297 (pyramidea) & dark palps 2298 (berbera). Not sure, use agg. CU/w-SCU/W.

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