Clouded Drab Confusion

I identified two of the moths caught in our soggy moth trap last night as Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta), a variable species that can make identification a little difficult. I started having second thoughts about my identification when I put them next to each other for a comparative photo.

Clouded Drab Variability

As you can see they look quite different, the wings are slightly different in shape, the background colour varies from an orangey grey in the left-hand sample to light grey in the right hand sample. The patterning is also quite different. They are however both Clouded Drab.

The distinguishing features are the dark blotches on the leading edge of the outermost cross-line.

This moth identification business isn’t always easy!

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.

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