49.170 Phiaris obsoletana (Mountain Marble)
ws: 15-18mm; Jul; bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/alpinus), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus); NS-B moorland in Scottish Highlands at 650-1000m
Synonyms: Phiaris irriguana (Pierce & Metcalfe), Olethreutes obsoletana
Synonyms: Phiaris irriguana (Pierce & Metcalfe), Olethreutes obsoletana
Phiaris obsoletana §1 male
ID: Characterised by its obscure markings. Similar to obscurely marked forms of P.metallicana which is also restricted to the Scottish Highlands but occurs at lower elevations (200-300m). P.metallicana has a broader more evenly edged median fascia. P.metallicana is also said to have a broader forewing with a less acutely angled apex (but this feature cannot be confirmed from comparison of specimens I have identified as these species).
Male genitalia: neither species is shown at dissection group. Several differences between P.obsoletana and P.metallicana are illustrated and described by Pierce and Metcalfe and illustrated in MBGBI5.2 (p313); features for P.obsoletana are described first: aedegus with an apical spine vs no apical spine; cornuti 2 rows of various-sized spines vs a single spine with a broad base; little narrowing of valva/sacculus complex beyond apex of sacculus vs obvious narrowing to about half its width; sacculus shorter extending just over half length of valva vs extending just over 3/4 length of valva. Differences in the uncus are also ilustrated with that of P.obsoletana being broader relative to the tegumen than that of P.metallicana - but I cannot confirm that difference from my specimens.
Male genitalia: neither species is shown at dissection group. Several differences between P.obsoletana and P.metallicana are illustrated and described by Pierce and Metcalfe and illustrated in MBGBI5.2 (p313); features for P.obsoletana are described first: aedegus with an apical spine vs no apical spine; cornuti 2 rows of various-sized spines vs a single spine with a broad base; little narrowing of valva/sacculus complex beyond apex of sacculus vs obvious narrowing to about half its width; sacculus shorter extending just over half length of valva vs extending just over 3/4 length of valva. Differences in the uncus are also ilustrated with that of P.obsoletana being broader relative to the tegumen than that of P.metallicana - but I cannot confirm that difference from my specimens.
§1 Glen Affric, Highlands; 16/07/2012; male; fw 8.7mm
§2 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 8.4mm
§3 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 7.9mm
§4 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 7.9mm
§5 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; female; fw 7.2mm
§6 Sgor Gaibhre, Perthshire; 18/06/2021; male; fw 8.2mm
§7 Morrone, Aberdeenshire; 28/06/2021
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 8.4mm
§3 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 7.9mm
§4 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; male; fw 7.9mm
§5 Ben Lawers, Perthsire; 24/06/2018; female; fw 7.2mm
§6 Sgor Gaibhre, Perthshire; 18/06/2021; male; fw 8.2mm
§7 Morrone, Aberdeenshire; 28/06/2021
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 05/01/2013 (§1) | Genus changed from Olethreutes 24/03/2014 | §2&3 added and text amended 04/07/2018 |
§4&5 added 29/12/2018 | §6 added 11/10/2021 | §7 added 24/10/2021
§4&5 added 29/12/2018 | §6 added 11/10/2021 | §7 added 24/10/2021
