More Cumbria Moths Help please! (1 Viewer)

[Binocularface]

Hi,

Any help with these much appreciated. I think the first may be a Lunar Yellow-underwing (a lot smaller than the Large YU I have been catching and markings more distinct); I think the second is Mottled Beauty and the third Marbled Minor agg. The other two I am unsure about.

Regards
T

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

1. I would go for Large YU. I've not seen Lunar before, but it doesn't look quite right to me. It also appears to be very rare in your area.
2. I agree
3. I agree
4. Barred Straw
5. Middle-barred Minor

 

[Binocularface]

Many thanks for the id's and confirmations. The yellow underwing did strike me as being substantially smaller than the Larger YU that I am used to catching, also I felt that the hind wing markings were far better defined. Although Lunar YU is a scarce species in Cumbria, it is regularly recorded just a few miles from my trap site; so not that unlikely perhaps.

I have to say, I really struggle with this species group.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I was totally unaware that Lunar Yellow Underwing occurred that far north - I must look at the distribution later. The shape of the moth (long and thin proportionately) in comparison to Lunar which has Lesser Yellow Underwing proportions (shorter and broader proportionately) favours Large Yellow Underwing and the patterning appears to match one of the classic Large Yellow Underwing forms. I must admit - I would have no doubt calling that a Large Yellow Underwing.

All the best

 

[Binocularface]

Many thanks Sean and Paul. I will get my head around these moths one day ;-)