Barred Straw or Spinach

poschiavanus · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2009, 06:44 PM

Saw this moth last week, and recongised it as Spinach like from a view of the topside of the wings. Unfortunately only shots I managed were of underside like this one:

When I got home I realised that it was probably more likely to be a Barred Straw from its resting position, but I had not looked for features to discriminate from Spinach when I had the chance. Any one familiar with the underwing pattern of these two species who can help out?

Posch

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 10:44 PM

Hi Posch,

I had taken side pics of a Barred Straw and deleted them as I had better ones, then remembered your post!

I got another opportunity with a female, also got a male last night from the back.

You can just see the same pattern on the reverse of the underwing as yours so I would say it's a Barred Straw. At least I think mine is!

Janet

poschiavanus · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 10:22 AM

Hi Janet,

Do keep the pictures for now: I couldn't find any on the Internet, and I didn't photograph the underside of the Spinach I had to light last year.

I was hoping it was a Barred Straw as its not one I get in the garden. Habitat was right as well: hedgerow full of cleavers alongside arable field.

Thanks very much,

Posch

Fourwings · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 10:23 AM

I'd say it was Barred Straw, seems to match the wing pattern OK.

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 12:37 PM

I will definitely be keeping the photos, of course there is the off chance that the female showing the underside is The Spinach but I haven't yet seen one of those, I think!

I did get a pic of a male which didn't have it's underwing hidden so much and thought it strange at the time, but the pattern seems to match the Barred Straw. I'll upload that pic too.

Looking at the wing pattern of The Spinach the lower line of the middle bar seems to have a more curved dip which is further across, the top line of the middle bar doesn't look so sharply dipped either.

JRsbugs · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 12:45 PM

Here's the non-conforming offender..

poschiavanus · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 01:13 PM

It's worth noting that the Spinach has a chequered edge to the wing: something which probably shows from underneath too.

RobSutton · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poschiavanus

Hi Janet,

Do keep the pictures for now: I couldn't find any on the Internet, and I didn't photograph the underside of the Spinach I had to light last year.

Did you search our very own WAB Moth Gallery? There are four photos of Barred Straw in there, two of which show the underside: