Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Visiting Hod Hill today, I spied a much darker individual than usual. With the wind blowing and the sunshine intermittent, it allowed itself to be photographed.
Is this another example of a melanic aberration? It does look rather unusual, and even the underside looks a bit different.
Dave
Is this another example of a melanic aberration? It does look rather unusual, and even the underside looks a bit different.
Dave
- Trev Sawyer
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Wooooowwwww!
That's a cracker Dave!
Trev
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
That's a cracker Dave!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Trev
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Amazing butterfly! Most definitely melanic!!
Guy
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
That's a stunner. I wonder whether the bizarre spring weather may throw up a few more Marsh Fritillary abs over the coming weeks?
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Some chillier nights are forecast this week, so who knows?David M wrote:I wonder whether the bizarre spring weather may throw up a few more Marsh Fritillary abs over the coming weeks?
I count myself very lucky to have found this one, though. As always, photos just don't do it justice.
Dave
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
The MF season must be pretty well done now. Bearing in mind the higher-than-usual incidence of aberrations in other species this spring, did anyone spot any other non-standard Marsh Fritillaries anywhere?
This one may have been a one-off I suppose. I wonder if it has a name?
Dave
This one may have been a one-off I suppose. I wonder if it has a name?
Dave
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
There was this one I photographed in windy conditions in Aberbargoed Grasslands on the 22nd May. Not as exciting as yours though!
![Image](http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g470/MichaeljField/Aberbargoed%20Sunday%2022nd%20May%202011/9764editp.jpg)
I've never had time to visit again when they were at their peak, unfortunately.
Michael
![Image](http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g470/MichaeljField/Aberbargoed%20Sunday%2022nd%20May%202011/9764editp.jpg)
I've never had time to visit again when they were at their peak, unfortunately.
Michael
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
I wouldn't say that - it looks distinctly odd to me!Michaeljf wrote:Not as exciting as yours though!
Michael
Dave
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Ab. virgata, Michael.
Piers.
Piers.
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Bless you, Piers ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Nice, both look interesting. Never seen such a dark Marsh fritillary before. If yours Dave was photographed in Europe, I may have mistaken that for some other fritillary.
Cheers all,
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
I haven't been able to find a picture anywhere of anything like it - but I believe melanic specimens pop up in most fritillaries and this is just more extreme than some.
Dave
Dave
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
I havemillerd wrote:I haven't been able to find a picture anywhere of anything like it.
Dave
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
It's a very poor photo, but the only one I got. I also saw a very pale-coloured individual which was very fresh, but alas no photo.
Vince.
Dave: Is there any chance I could have high resolution copies of your 3 photos for my own records?
Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Looks like the same chap to me! I'm glad no one chose to eat him for a while.
I've sent you a PM, Vince.
Dave
I've sent you a PM, Vince.
Dave