2 butterflies from Düsseldorf [Germany] - IDs needed (1 Viewer)

[David_]

Hi,

found photos of 2 butterflies taken last July near the airport in Düsseldorf.

I think this is Coenonympha pamphilus.


Initially I thought this is one is another C. pamphilus but after looking at the photos half a year later I realized there is second eye-spot. Is it Pyronia tithonus?

 

[RafaelMatias]

Yes for the 1st, the 2nd is Maniola jurtina (female).

 

[David_]

Thanks,
I still struggle with butterflies. There seems to be so much variation within species. I didn't know Maniola jurtina can have two eye-spots. But I also I would have expected Pyronia tithonus show at least some faint eye-spots on the hind-wing which the butterfly in my photo doesnot

 

[RafaelMatias]

Yep, they can vary a bit, which only makes it more interesting in my opinion. Females with the second white pupil (note it's only one eye spot, black) are relatively infrequent, but can be found regularly (here in Portugal, where ssp. hispulla occurs, the second pupil (the "lower one") is usually minute, not as large as on your photo). Besides the characteristic pattern of the hind wings, their shape is also distinctive or highly indicative.

 

[David_]

Thanks for explaining what to look for.