Espers or not Espers, that is the question!!!

[rezamink]

Again from Sorrento:

I thought this was Espers as the Black band is unbroken?

Unlike my UK Marbled White:

But i've now been told that as it's just a single cell... it's a subspecies of M galathea?

What does anyone think?

Cheers!

Damian

[petesmith]

Yep - definitely galathea - Espers is a very different beast! Across Europe galathea is very variable in pattern and intensity of markings, with many local forms.

[rezamink]

Thanks Pete!

[Medard]

http://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com
Esper's Marbled White (Melanargia russiae) fly's in company with galathea and is easily recognizable in the field,as it is much whiter and larger than Melanargia galathea.
More photos here http://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/p464286111#h507e825b

A video can be seen on this link.http://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/p577876181#h9117e59a