Identifying Uncertain/Rustic (1 Viewer)

[Captain_of_Crunch]

I was just wondering what is the most reliable way of separating The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) and The Rustic (H. blanda)? I have looked at a few different sites and can't really find much useful info. Have had a few in the trap recently so it would be good to know which species I am looking at |=)|

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Paul Chapman]

I was just wondering what is the most reliable way of separating The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) and The Rustic (H. blanda)? I have looked at a few different sites and can't really find much useful info. Have had a few in the trap recently so it would be good to know which species I am looking at |=)|

Thanks in advance for any help!

I think that you are probably seeking the Holy Grail - I'm only ever really confident when I compare specimens and even then I'm probably getting them wrong:-

http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/species/2381.php

http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/species/2382.php

All the best

 

[Steve Lister]

I catch lots of Uncertains but only a few Rustics - or at least that's what I think. If it has an obvious arch linking the kidney spots I tend to call it an Uncertain.

Rustics seem a bit broader and more curved, something that books don't seem to pick up on.

Steve

 

[Captain_of_Crunch]

Thanks for the replies. Similarly, I have been using the kidney band to separate the two and was wondering if there were any more reliable features.

I guess there are no features on the underwing that could help with ID (haven't seen this mentioned in the field guides)?

 

[Paul Chapman]

There is a difference in the hindwing but separated from books and memory is cloudy. An Internet checks states that Uncertain has a more fuscous hindwing.

All the best