Moth for ID please

clicka15 · #1 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 08:32 AM

Hello Friends,

The full moon is much too strong opposition for my feeble twin 30W actinic! I had ten moths last night of three species: 8 Lunar Underwings, 1 L-album Wainscot and one other that has stumped me.

I've posted a few photographs of it; what do you reckon it is? I noted the generally narrow body-shape, the dark 'teeth' on the shoulder, the sharp angle of the outer edge, and what appears to be a greater distance between the oval and kidney than in the Rustic species. Note also the feathered antennae.

I considered some kind of Dart, but can't find a conclusive match.

With thanks and best wishes,

Steven

John · #2 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 09:43 AM

This looks like a very late Heart & Dart. They are June & July fliers but if you look at Mike Walls excellent Hampshire site you will see that there is a 10% chance of seeing through into October.
Hants Moths: Menu

John

tristanba · #3 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 01:30 PM

Hi, Heart & Dart for sure. Quite late though. Strange (and rubbish!) year - apparently nationwide trapping data suggests catches have been c30% lower than usual. Cheers, Tristan

PS: Dark patch on face (when viewed head on) very distinctive in Heart & Dart. You can use this character even if the moth is tucked right down in an egg box, as long as they are facing towards you!

Adam Cheeseman · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 06:06 PM

Yep, HaD. I had one yesterday.

Cheers,

Adam

UB4 gardener · #5 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 07:38 PM

Is it not Turnip moth?

Chris

tristanba · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 07:57 PM

I did consider Turnip, but thought I could see dark band on head - this might be shadow in the pics? Turnip much more likely for date and the chevrons on the wing are not solid black, it's also quite long-winged. On balance I think better for worn Turnip. BW Tristan

Davidg · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 08:59 PM

Yes, definitely a Turnip. The oval with central dot and 'teeth' are diagnostic.

David

clicka15 · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Hi Guys.

This is a tough one, isn't it? I'm tempted to go for the Turnip option, but both your suggetions seem to fit. There were two observations:

1. The feathered antennae - the Turnip has these; does the H&D?

2. The palps are quite pointy, which (using Waring) seems to fit the Turnip better than the H&D.

Any thoughts?

Steven.

andy68 · #9 (**permalink**) 28-09-2007, 09:58 AM

I'm sure it's a Turnip. H&D doesn't have feathered antennae, and also the 'dart' mark is hollow, whereas it's solid on H&D.

Andy

clicka15 · #10 (**permalink**) 28-09-2007, 07:31 PM

Thanks Andy, I agree with you that it's the Turnip. It's difficult to separate some species - just as well they're not on the wing at the same time!

Thanks to everyone for your help.