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Hello all

I'd appreciate a second opinion on these Pierids from Albania in July.

I have these as P. rapae:
These as P. mannii (image two and three are the same individual):
With this one as P. napi:
Thanks in advance,

Lee

Hi Lee. In my opinion these mannii are rapae. The caveat is that I am very familiar with mannii in Switzerland, but not in the Balkans, and it is possible there are differences. However, the third picture in particular, with the light showing through the wings, has three features that say to me rapae. First, the clear fork in v.7. I know this diagnostic feature has been challenged in these very forums but in Switzerland I have never come across mannii with a fork, nor rapae without one. It therefore carries at least some weight for me. Second, the almost complete absence of dark scaling on the hindwing. Later broods have less scaling than early broods but again I have never seen any mannii as bare as this. Finally, the outline of the upperside forewing apical patch seems distinctly more rapae than mannii, in which it typically descends at least as far down the outer margin as along the costa.

Maybe someone with direct experience of mannii in the Balkans will contradict me.

I agree with your first rapae and the napi at the end.

Guy

Hi Guy,

That's great, thank you. I must admit, I was a little unsure of one but was fairly sure of mannii in the individual where I have two images! I guess rapae is pretty variable too though.

Best wishes,
Lee