moth id please

RICHARDM · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:10 PM

GuyF · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:20 PM

Looks like a Square-spot Rustic, quite a few around at this time of year.
Guy

RICHARDM · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:28 PM

Many thanks Guy, trawled through 3 moth books and still failed to identify

Hedge Witch · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:36 PM

The Square Spot Rustic is fairly variable so can be quite difficult to ID.

leifus · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 08:22 PM

There are loads around here at the mo'

naturegirl · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 11:59 PM

It is definitely a Square spot rustic!!

I don't understand the problems people have with this species, it really isn't that difficult.

Naturegirl

Hedge Witch · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 06:46 AM

Naturegirl - what are the key features? Many of us are complete novices. I, for one, would genuinely appreciate help with ID. I listened and learned when you described how to remember the difference between Garden & Common Carpet. Thanks.

djackso · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 07:01 AM

I guess some of it is experience, which many of us are willing to pass on

John · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 07:27 AM

It has a rather square looking kidney-mark and the towards the centre of the wing of that kidney-mark you should find that the kidney-mark is darkened. The kidney-mark should also have a faint outline to it. This can sometimes be difficult to see in a dark form specimen, as could the kidney-mark.

In most cases there are a series of cross lines. Unfortunately the colour is variable ranging from light brown through to blackish brown taking in light or dark reddish, dark and grey brown.

The moth also has a white underwing, as shown below. I have also added a few of my photos showing the variables with this moth to show you how different they can look.

They are actually more variable than these photos so you need to take note of that. With the exception of the very dark form (almost black) you should be able to see the kidney-mark which is very diagnostic of the Square-spot Rustic.

Hope that helps.

John

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

Naturegirl - what are the key features? Many of us are complete novices. I, for one, would genuinely appreciate help with ID. I listened and learned when you described how to remember the difference between Garden & Common Carpet. Thanks.