copper underwing agg - now that palps are not reliable... (1 Viewer)

[Surreybirder]

I was wondering whether we could have a 'reference' thread where we have some pix of Amphipyra pyramidea and berbera to illustrate the difference.
I caught one last night which appears to be copper underwing (Pyramidea) rather than Svensson's (berbera) as there is very little copper below. According to W & T, the 'inner central cross-line on Pyramidea ususally has two v-marks that are roughly level'.
If I am looking at the right feature, mine looks closer to berbera on that count. But the forewing is perhaps on the dark side (Pyramidea feature).
Ken

 

[honeym]

Hi Ken

I'd lean towards Svensson's too.

I'd also like to reiterate that these features are meant as a guide to aid identification not a distinguishing feature in their own right and should be used together - not just one of them on its own.

I'd also point out that (for me) the underwing feature is quite hard to see in live specimens as it is the lower part of the hindwing that you need to see - which is usually obscured by the abdomen.

The sides of the abdomen of your specimen also seem to be less 'chequered' pointing to Svensson's.

Best wishes

Martin

 

[Surreybirder]

Thanks, Martin, I have a sneaking suspicion that Graham won't pass this one as a definite.
Ken