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I took all the following at Arnside Knott today. All show different individuals. I was unable to get any photos of undersides due to the wind. Can anyone say whether these are High Brown, Dark Green of a mixture?

Hi there,

Firstly thanks for posting your report for Arnside Knott. It's always useful to know what is happening there.

Having recently got back from there myself and seen lots of Fritillaries, I will have a crack at identification.

1. High Brown Male.
2. High Brown Male.
3. Dark Green Female.
4. High Brown Male.
5. High Brown Female.

Although I am fairly happy with these identities I would always recommend that a second party confirms them, particularly No.1.

Cheers,

Vince

Not sure about 1 but I think its High Brown, but 3 is Dark Green (Female I think), rest look good High Browns

I think they're all High Brown. I don't think the wing shape of number three is right for Dark Green.

Misha

Based on the indentation of the 3rd spot down from the outside edge of the forewings, I also think they're all High Brown.

Male, male, female, male, female.

Cheers,

- Pete

Yes, I stand corrected. I agree that they are all High Browns.

Cheers,

Vince

Thanks for correction, I knew the third was female, but since I have only seen a female DG, I assumed it was that. I'll know in future what to look for

Thanks everyone for this. It seems to suggest the High Browns are having a good year at Arnside. I'm interested as to how you all arrived at your conclusions. I assume its partly to do with the position of the 3 spot down from the outside edge of the forewing and also the shape of the wing?

Also how did you determine whether they are male or female? I assume stronger black markings?

In order to see whether I can put into practice what I've learnt here are 4 more photos from the previous week. The first 3 are from Arnside the final one is from Gait Barrows.

I would say

1. Male DG

2. Female HB

3. Male DG

4. Female DG

I'd be happy with one out of four!

David

I'd go with:

1. Female DG

2. Male HB

3. Male DG

4. Female DG

One of the indicators of sex is the presence of the sex brand on the male's forewings.

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks Pete,

At least I got all 4 right as to whether they were High Brown or Dark Green. Need to do some more work on the difference between the sexes!!

David