45.001 Agdistis bennetii (Saltmarsh Plume)
ws: 24-30mm; Jul-Aug; sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare); local on saltmarsh in S&SE England
Agdistis bennetii §1 male
ID: Agdistis meridionalis averages smaller (ws 22-25mm) and is confined to rocky coasts in SW England. According to Gielis, A.bennetii has no spots on the costa while A.meridionalis has a subterminal costal spot, however the plates show a subterminal spot near the costa in both species. Hants moths suggests that A.meridionalis is paler and more finely speckled than A.bennetii. The distribution of these two species provides reliable distinction but genital examination is required for definitive identification.
§1 Foulness, Essex; 20/07/2008; male; fw 12.5mm
§2 Foulness, Essex; 29/06/2013; female
§3 Foulness, Essex; 03/08/2018; male; fw 11.0mm
§4 Foulness, Essex; 31/07/2020; female; fw 11.7mm
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Foulness, Essex; 29/06/2013; female
§3 Foulness, Essex; 03/08/2018; male; fw 11.0mm
§4 Foulness, Essex; 31/07/2020; female; fw 11.7mm
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 29/03/2012 | §2 added 05/11/2013 | §3 added 17/02/2019 | §4 added 02/02/2021
