Unusual Meadow Brpwn

[David M]

I'm used to seeing pallid forms of this species, but to have just one forewing so pale when the rest of the butterfly appears normal is quite unusual.

Anyone seen anything similar?

[bugboy]

I see this bleaching in Meadow Brown's more often than any other species. I've always assumed it's due to being caught in a ray of sun during pupation but I have no evidence of this. See mine and Millerds recent posts for another one.

[David M]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, BB.

I've seen yours and Dave's specimen and the effect looks similar, albeit in a more symmetrical manner.

[bugboy]

Also this one I found back on the 4th July, also at Mill Hill. It was far too hot to open up and very difficult to get any shot but you can see the bleaching was only on one side