49.171 Phiaris metallicana (Highland Marble)
ws: 16-19mm; late Jun-Jul; cowberry (Vaccinium myrtillus); NS-B on moorland in the Scottish highlands at 200-300m
Synonym: Olethreutes metallicana
Synonym: Olethreutes metallicana
ID: Generally drab olive-brown with poorly defined markings but prominence of the markings is very variable. Poorly marked specimens are similar to P.obsoletana which is also restricted to the Scottish Highlands but occurs at higher elevations (650-1000m). 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.
Male genitalia
Page published 05/01/2013 (§1) | Genus changed from Olethreutes 24/03/2014 | Text amended 04/07/2018
