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We usually concentrate on the wing patterns when considering variation or aberrations but what about body colour?

I noticed on some photos took today that whereas the body hairs are usually dark greyish to black, as below:
I have photographed an example on which the hairs are pure white.
Is this unusual or is it a common variant?

Mike

I think the body hairs on the underside are often paler than those on the upperside. I'm not quite sure why this might be though, unless it helps the insect absorb heat when its wings are open.

I added this picture as it was one of my better close up pictures I took recently of underwings and hair. I don't think there was anything particularly abnormal about it but I hope it might make quite a good comparison with any noted aberrations that may be posted here. On reflection I have edited this post. Apologies Mike if my original comment "didn't look good". I now realise the quality of my uploaded picture wasn't that good, either!
Best Wishes,
Philip

MikeOxon wrote:We usually concentrate on the wing patterns when considering variation or aberrations but what about body colour?

I noticed on some photos took today that whereas the body hairs are usually dark greyish to black, as below:

I have photographed an example on which the hairs are pure white.

Is this unusual or is it a common variant?

Mike

Good observation Mike - I've never really noticed before! Although not conclusive, this individual shows that there's a clear division between upperside and underside, given the colour of the abdomen:

gallery/images/upload/abeaeb8a7a1d8ee79 ... 6d73d3.jpg

Cheers,

- Pete

This is a photo I took in May this year, the underside appears predominantly white, green and even a bit of blue.