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Pupa ID
Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2022 9:53 pm
by kevling
Hi,
Spotted this freshly formed Pupa today on a Knapweed. I’m thinking Small or Green Veined White but not sure. Any confirmation welcome.
Regards Kev
Re: Pupa ID
Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2022 8:51 am
by Vince Massimo
Hi Kev, I'm pretty sure that it's a Large White pupa. The main clue for me is the dark colour of the old larval skin. Both Small and Green-veined Whites have paler shed skins. Also (and it's quire difficult to see) the pupa has a small secondary dorsal hump, which is a characteristic of the Large White.
- Subject pupa
- Large White pupa (dark larval skin)
- Green-veined White pupa (pale larval skin)
- Small White pupa (pale larval skin)
If all else fails, the length of the pupa can be measured. Large Whites are approximately 25mm long, whereas Small and Green-veined Whites are only around 19mm.
Vince
Re: Pupa ID
Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2022 5:18 pm
by kevling
Thanks Vince. My other photo from a different angle shows the second dorsal hump. Greatly appreciated
Regards Kev