I would like to establish which species of Conistra are
present a Bükk woodland-edge site in Miskolctapolca. I am only familiar
with C. vaccinii from the UK.
I am reasonably confident that there are breeding populations locally of C. vaccinii, C. rubiginea, C. rubiginosa
and C. erythrocephala having encountered clear examples of these either in
March or this autumn. But I have difficulty with a number of individuals which
resemble C. vaccinii. This is a variable species. Many of my unidentified Conistra
are either rather large, rather dark or/and more strongly marked than ones I
have seen in the UK.
One type which seems to be fairly abundant here is dark with a pale band near the outer edge of the
forewing (e.g. 14 below). Another is blackish, more plain looking but still with pale veins (e.g. 10, below). I think some might
possibly be C. ligula and with some of the larger ones I have even wondered if they
are not Conistra at all (but cannot find any other genus of őszibagoly that fits better). Unfortunately some of the
most puzzling individuals are difficult to photograph because they are so dark
and shiny.
These are a selection and any comments on their correct
names would be very welcome.
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