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
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Re: Aberrant Marsh Fritillary?
Wooooowwwww!
That's a cracker Dave!
Trev
That's a cracker Dave!
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!
I've never had time to visit again when they were at their peak, unfortunately.
Michael
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
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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 have , but I'm sure it's the same individual . Taken at Hod Hill 5 days later on 4th May.millerd wrote:I haven't been able to find a picture anywhere of anything like it.
Dave
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