www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I have seen several blues this year. And photo'd a large number, but I don't always manage to see each individual with the wings open.

Is it possible to ID blues just on their underside wings ? If so what should I look for ?

And lastly is it possible to sex them on just undersides ?

TIA
Chris

Alright there I have only been photographing butterflies for a year but I have been having some success at identification using "British and Irish Butterflies" by Andrew Riley. It goes into great detail looking at similar species but I start looking at the background colour of the wing, whether the wing margin (fringe?) has black marks, the colour and size of the spots and their positioning.

As for sexing I think it is possible for certain species such as Silver Studded and Adonis Blue and bird stikes or wing damage often allow you to see the colour of the upper side of the wing through the gap. Failing that I go for the shot and then make a mental note of the wing colour when it flies - brown means Brown Argus or females.

I also use the Natural History Museum's website which is fantastic and has images of not just male and female open and under wings but also lots of aberrant forms.

I hope this helps

Wurzel

Chris_A wrote:Is it possible to ID blues just on their underside wings ? If so what should I look for ?

Here's a start - a work in progress with much more to do:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_ ... pecies.php

Also here:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_ ... tage=imago

As for sex - it depends on the species. In general, females are browner than males. But this doesn't apply to a few species of blue (e.g. Holly Blue).

Cheers,

- Pete

Pete Eeles wrote:

Chris_A wrote:Is it possible to ID blues just on their underside wings ? If so what should I look for ?

Here's a start - a work in progress with much more to do:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_ ... pecies.php

Also here:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_ ... tage=imago

As for sex - it depends on the species. In general, females are browner than males. But this doesn't apply to a few species of blue (e.g. Holly Blue).

Cheers,

- Pete

Really like your similar species page. I think this will help me a lot. Only really started taking butterflies in anger this year, so not very good at the indentification, particularly with blues, and their undersides.

Thank you that similar species page is helpful.

Unfortunately I'm still struggling with this White. I'm going to take a stab at a small white. Am I correct ?

There's way too much dark coloring around the rear wing veins -> P. napi (GVW)

Wow that was quick. Thanks JKT

A Green-viened white. At least in the id they said they were often confused with small whites.