Jack,Jack Harrison wrote:Dave.
There is something about that Marbled White that looks slightly different, perhaps a greater than normal extent of white. It reminds me of some of the southern species of Marbled white (no personal experience but have seen illustrated in the literature). Is it a minor aberration I wonder?
Jack
I did wonder about that when I took the photo, but having now compared it to individuals from previous seasons, I can find little difference. The present one is very fresh and the markings are very clearly delineated, but the amount of white and position of the white areas is largely the same. Maybe it's an illusion - perhaps our memory of these butterflies is darker than reality, and when we see them again after the ten month gap they seem brighter and whiter? Anyway, here's one from 2009, and the current model again for comparison. Both photos were taken within a few metres of each other.
Dave