...............has been an interesting talking point recently as we reach the peak of the Lead-coloured Drab flight period. There has been some confusion about what is the most reliable ID feature etc. So last night I caught yet another one and decided to photograph it next to a similarly coloured Clouded Drab. So why not have a go at identifying them? There is no prize but I thought it would be an interesting social experiment. I will write a post with all the differences as I see them.........(which may be useful, maybe not!). PS The competition is not open to anyone called Ben Sale!
I think everyone was pretty much on the money....................
Clouded Drab Lead-coloured Drab
I reckon, with my highly trained eye, that the Lead-coloured is the one on the right. Mostly going on the field characteristic of the jpeg, which is named "Clouded-Lead-colouredDrab.jpg"! Other than that they look the bloody same to me... ;o)
ReplyDeleteOk, comment noted. But I may have put them the wrong way round, just to throw you off the scent.........
ReplyDeleteRounder apex, larger/squarer reniform stigma, rounder orbicular stigma, wedge markings along sub-terminal fascia, pectinate antennae if male (can't see properly), err, 'cause it looks like one (bit subjective) .....
ReplyDeleteHoping to get one or two tonight in woodland with some decent aspen stands.
Cheers Mark- This one is definitely a female, though I have had I male this year..........
ReplyDeleteThe right hand one Matt. the left just looks like Clouded to me. The right hand one has some nice finely etched black lines, a large bordered kidney mark and the left one has those rusty blotches that Clouded Drabs have. Can you tell who knows their stuff between me and Mark! I cant remember what the parts are called...
ReplyDeleteYour right Stewart, you sound like an expert ;^). Your observations have been noted- I'll let you know if you've won the weekend in Bedfordshire. 2nd prize, 2 weekends in Bedfordshire!
ReplyDelete