Can you help with this please?

[grumpy]

Hi, I'm a relative newcomer to the Forum. I have been into insects since childhood (cant remember when that was! ). Took this picture in 2009 whilst Dragonflying in Norfolk and hadnt realised that it was a bit different to the normal Common blue at the time. Is this an abberation ?

thanks in anticipation

Dave Clay (Grumpy)

[Padfield]

In my experience it is most unusual (I don't think I've ever seen it) for a female common blue to lack effectively all trace of orange on the hindwing. Felix will know if someone has named that form, but even if not I would say you have something outside the normal range of variation.

Guy

[grumpy]

Many thanks for your swift response Guy, hope Felix can help further.


Dave Clay (Grumpy)

[Paul Wetton]

Found this one at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve this year.

I assume this is also a female Common Blue lacking almost all orange on upperwing.

The underwing was as normal for a Common Blue.

Cheers

Paul

[grumpy]

Thanks Paul, didn't get to see underside on the one I saw, it cleared off after Its picture was taken and I didnt fancy venturing off the boardwalk and disappearing into the fen!


Dave Clay (Grumpy)