Is it just me or are Painted Ladies different this year?

Treehawk · #1 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 02:40 PM

Hi,
I have noticed that the Painted Ladies that are emerging now seem slightly darker than normal ones and I never remember them having that broad, dark line along the bottom of the forewing, has anyone else noticed this?

Adam Cheeseman · #2 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 03:04 PM

The ones that migrated over here en masse earlier in the year would have been travel worn and not looking their best, whereas the ones now emerging are in tip-top condition and are therefore looking brighter and more defined.

Cheers,

Adam

RobinP · #3 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 03:38 PM

Saw 3 very fresh ones today, toally different to the migrants

These ones were even very confiding, I had to step back for some of the photos!

Treehawk · #4 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 04:01 PM

It might be something to do with recent emergence (or loss of scales, but it seems to be fairly symmetrical) but I thought they might be abberations? I have not seen any other photos that show the dark band on the bottom of the forewing. The photos you posted do not have it.