Pyrausta sp. ID help

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PaulHopkins
Posts: 456
Joined: Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:11 pm
Location: Bromborough, Wirral. MapMate Recorder

Pyrausta sp. ID help

Post by PaulHopkins »

I think I know the answer to this before asking the question, but I thought I'd ask anyway...

In the absence of hindwing or underside shots, is it possible to narrow this down to Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis? Based on this note in Common Micro-moths of Berkshire: "Strong mark forming dorsal part of band has curved basal edge" - I thought purpuralis looked more likely, but I don't want to record as such if it's not a safe ID.

Cheers
Paul
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Pyrausta sp
Pyrausta sp
stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Pyrausta sp. ID help

Post by stevehind »

Hi Paul

Views of the underside are usually necessary to be sure, although that's a well marked specimen which looks spot on for purpuralis.

I've attached a pdf file which separates the two. This was produced for Bucks.

Regards
Steve
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1361 Pyraustas_difficult_moths.pdf
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PaulHopkins
Posts: 456
Joined: Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:11 pm
Location: Bromborough, Wirral. MapMate Recorder

Re: Pyrausta sp. ID help

Post by PaulHopkins »

Thanks Steve. That looks like a very useful resource.

Paul
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