Copper Underwing Moth
Amphipyra pyramidea
|
|
Copper Underwing Moth Amphipyra pyramidea |
 |
 |
|
A Copper Underwing moth, with distinguishing small round spot in centre of each forewing |
Showing the copper-coloured underwings |
 |
 |
|
From the top, the Copper Underwing (more prevalent in south of England) and the Svensson's Copper Underwing (declared a separate species in the late 1960s and more prevalent in north of England) look similar. Each varies within its species but the top and side views cannot determine the species. One of the determining factors is the front view of the "palps" on the moth's face: in the Svensson case they are dark fronted (flecked with some light hairs) with light tips and in the standard Copper Underwing they are light fronted (flecked with dark) with light tips. On the basis of that rule, it is hard to determine which of the two the above moth is (photographed in NW London). |
|
 |
 |
|
From the underside, the palps seem lighter at the front |
Another determining feature is the underside of the hindwings: the Copper Underwing has a light central area framed by dark edging whereas the Svensson's is fairly uniform. On that basis, this moth would seem to be the standard Copper Underwing. |
 |
 |
 |
|
Male with feathered antennae and clear "stigmata" |
Two other individuals, the second battered specimen, while not a good picture, shows a peek of the copper under-wing | |
 |
|||
 |
|||
|
Link to Copper Underwing caterpillar (link not yet active) |
|||