Interesting images for ID

[David M]

I have been contacted with an ID query.

I'll post the images and will welcome comments:

[Padfield]

Hi David. The obvious answer is P. corybas (phoebus). Since I'm sure you know this, I imagine there is some problem with this ID! Admittedly, the antennae are very weakly ringed (especially the male) - but they are visibly ringed. Apollo is usually less distinctly ringed than this. Is the problem location - or perhaps the male antennae, so you wonder if this is a mixed mating?

Where were the photos taken? In parts of Spain and the Pyrenees apollo can show red in the costal spots of the forewing.

P. corybas antennae (Switzerland):



P. apollo antennae (Switzerland):



Guy

[David M]

I feel awful for having posted this, Guy, but the good news is that your excellent sixth sense has homed in straight away on the problem.

When I first saw these images, my response was that it HAD to be Small Apollo. Even though it's a mating pair, there's no contortion during the coupling act that could possibly place red hindwing spots into a forewing position by way of coital gymnastics.

I then received notice that the images were taken in the Spanish Pyrenees, which sent me leafing through my reference books. Nowhere could I find any commentary on how Apollo might occasionally sport red costal spots on the upf.

It was a dilemma for me - visually it was Small Apollo. Geographically it had to be Apollo.

Your experience in the field is priceless.

If certain races of Apollo sometimes have red upf spots then this lays the matter to rest.

Why do the written guides not refer to this?

[Padfield]

Matt Rowlings first alerted me to this (red spots on apollo) many years ago. His web page shows some very good examples of undoubted apollo with red spots: http://www.eurobutterflies.com/sp/apollo.php. There are also examples illustrated in Leraut. You are right, though - most books suggest the red spots are definitive.

Knowing these are from Spain, I have no hesitation in saying they are definitely apollo. Strange how distinctly ringed the antennae of the female appear in the first photo - but there you go! That's why nothing beats close examination in the field, or at least lots of different views.

Guy

[David M]

Thanks for that link, Guy. I note too that there are races where the spots are more orange than red so that will assist me going forward.

Life's full of surprises, but thankfully it's also full of other minds to approach for advice.

Your advice is Category A and I thank you again (as does the individual who sent me the images in the first place!)