Moths for ID

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Guy, compare the White-spotted Pug on ukmoths with #3, it's spot on.

Yes, I think you're right actually, the white tuft on the thorax shouldn't be there if this was a Common Pug
Guy

[MetalMoth]

I think 3 appears to me to a lot like White-spotted Pug. I am happy to have that one down as that.

I have always thought 4 was different to 3. I know Janet you originally put 4 as another White-spotted pug, but having had a look at some Common Pug pics I am thinking maybe it is this. What do you think Janet? To me it does not have the white spots needed for White-spotted and the dark lines on it and wavy white line match up with Common Pug.

Guy - I agree that the Minor cannot be identified without dissection.

As already mentioned I really am not sure about 1. I have just had another look at pics of both the Turnip moth and Shuttled-shaped dart and it looks like both to me! However now I am leaning a little more towards Turnip.

[JRsbugs]

I wasn't totally happy about #4 either, looking again it doesn't look worn enough to have lost the white spot.

I've looked at the Common Pug, I don't think it's that either! The top of the wings are flatter for a start.

I was a little dubious about the lack of a white spot on #5 too but the shape seemed to match.

I'll look again with fresh (very tired) eyes..

[JRsbugs]

I'm coming to the same conclusions!

#4 if you look carefully does have those small white spots near the inner edge of the underwing, which I couldn't really see before! The shape looks correct too.

I came across a very similar one to #5 after thinking once more I wasn't going to change my mind which is Pimpinel Pug Eupithecia pimpinellata, but on very careful inspection the abdomen is shorter and fatter for one, although that could be a sex difference. The main thing which put me off that is the shape of the wing tips, on the Pimipinel there is a more sudden drop or steeper curve.

It does look as though the scales are worn off the bottom areas of #5 but it still could be another even though the shape etc looks like the Wormwood to me anyway.

[JRsbugs]

Re the Shuttle/Turnip one, look at the second pic of the Turnip on ukmoths, it has a circle where the shuttle shape is! That's why it's called a Shuttle because the shape is like a weaving shuttle I think.

[MetalMoth]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

I'm coming to the same conclusions!

#4 if you look carefully does have those small white spots near the inner edge of the underwing, which I couldn't really see before! The shape looks correct too.

I came across a very similar one to #5 after thinking once more I wasn't going to change my mind which is Pimpinel Pug Eupithecia pimpinellata, but on very careful inspection the abdomen is shorter and fatter for one, although that could be a sex difference. The main thing which put me off that is the shape of the wing tips, on the Pimipinel there is a more sudden drop or steeper curve.

It does look as though the scales are worn off the bottom areas of #5 but it still could be another even though the shape etc looks like the Wormwood to me anyway.

I am sorry you have confused me now! What do you think pic 4 is?

I was happy with a worn Wormwood for pic 5. But now since looking at the pics of Pimpinel Pug I am not so sure! They both look good and seem to be hard to tell apart.

Right. I have made a decision now for pic 1. I am going with Shuttled-shaped Dart. I agree with you it has more of a shuttle shape and not a circle. Very worn though, which does not help at all!

[JRsbugs]

#4 still White-spotted Pug

#5, the shape still better fits Wormwood. Look carefully at the shape of the wing tip ends along the top, they dip too suddenly on the Pimpernel for it to be that. Place both pics side by side, it's easier to tell the differences.

[MetalMoth]

I agree with you on both counts!

Having had another look I think 4 does match up better with White-spotted pug. It is just not as well defined as number 3, which threw me a bit. These moths are so tricky when they get worn! Or just vary greatly!

And yes I can see what you mean about the wing tips. Wormwood it is!