Miscoloured butterfly. Small Tortoiseshell Aberration.

neil · Post by **neil** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:35 pm

Hi. What have I here? Looks like a tortoiseshell that isn't. Never seen one like this before.

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:53 pm

Hi Neil,

This is a Small Tortoiseshell aberration - possibly ab. semiichnusoides:

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/ ... %3dgallery

Cheers,

- Pete

Nick Broomer · Post by **Nick Broomer** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:56 pm

I would say that this Small Tort. has been exposed to extreme heat while still in the pupa, and is similar to the ab.semi-ichnusoides.

All the best, Nick.

Post by **Vince Massimo** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 5:14 pm

Nice find Neil

Can you provide site and date details?
With your permission I would like to make a copy for the Species-Specific Album (image will be credited to you).

Regards,

Vince

David M · Post by **David M** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:39 pm

That's an incredible specimen. The hindwings are remarkable in their own right, but the white suffusion on the forewings is astonishing.

neil · Post by **neil** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 9:09 pm

Hi Vince.

I took the picture in a field outside of Rushden, Northants. Date 15th July 2013, time 4.19pm. A number of butterflies were feeding on thistle and I went over for a closer look.I spotted this one among the Meadow Browns,the only Small Tortoiseshell. Fortunately I make it rule to keep my camera with me on sunny days in case something interesting is about. Lucky today.
Yes you may use a copy of the picture.

Regards.

Neil Richmond

Miscoloured butterfly. Small Tortoiseshell Aberration.

Miscoloured butterfly. Small Tortoiseshell Aberration.

Re: Miscoloured butterfly

Re: Miscoloured butterfly

Re: Miscoloured butterfly

Re: Miscoloured butterfly

Re: Miscoloured butterfly