[ID]3 Moths & a Wasp Please...

Jason Green · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 01:23 PM

Hi WAB'ers,

Three moths and a wasp please

1. Which Wave?
I think this is a Wave sp., but I can't find one that matches exactly, in particular the prominance of the darker spots on the upper wings above the lower dots

2. Pug?
Found this morning, I believe it's either a Pug or Wave. Or something else entirely

3. Pretty moth
Unfortunately this is the best I could do, it was too 'aware' of me

4. Vespula germanica?
I know I posted a similar picture recently, but today he gave in to my persistance and waited to have his photo taken. Is my guess right?

Take care,

Jason

poschiavanus · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 01:43 PM

No 3 moth is most likely phlyctaenia coronata. There is a much rarer species which is similar.

leifus · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 01:44 PM

1 cream wave
2 probably a pug i think but unsure as to which one (the engrailed perhaps - not a pug though

3 ??
4 yeah i'd go for German wasp or 'vasp'

, Vespula germanica

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 02:04 PM

Thanks poschiavanus and Leifus!

eucera · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 02:34 PM

I reckon the wasp is a male Dolichovespula media. The ocular sinus (the indentation on the inner side of the eye) is entirely yellow a feature unique to D. media among UK wasps. It woould be unusual to get males of V. germanica out so early in the year (usually in October)

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 02:50 PM

Oh right, Thanks Eucera! D. Media then. How long does it stay active then, October to when?

eucera · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 03:34 PM

D. media nests in exposed places (eg in shrubs) and the season is usually completed by the end of August (hence the production of sexuals). The cavity nesting species (eg V. vulgaris and the Hornet) can keep going until early November, and these guys produce sexuals in October

bripriuk · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 04:16 PM

Jason
I have to disagree about the moths - No 1 is a Riband Wave of the abberant form remutata - here in London you get at least 9 of this form for each typical form.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/riband-wave

The kink at the end of the second cross-line is diagnostic.
The pug looks like a worn double-striped, and I agree with the no 3.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/double-striped-pug

Brian Price