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Alder Kitten - Furcula bicuspis


Alder Kitten - Furcula bicuspis
Photo Information
Copyright: Harm Alberts (Harm-digitaal) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 110 W: 7 N: 1968] (7604)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-25
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Moths of Europe 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-01-01 2:41
Viewed: 3416
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Furcula bicuspis(Borkhausen, 1790) male / Alder Kitten male / Birkengabelschwanz männchen / Harpye Bicuspide mâle.

Description: Wingspan 40-48mm.
Adults have white forewings with a broad, darkish-brown central band and dark patches near the apex of the forewing. There is also a series of black dots above the band and along the outer edge of the forewing. The thorax is dark grey-brown and quite hairy. The abdomen is white with grey bands between segments. The hindwings are white with brown veining.

Similar Species: Sallow and Poplar Kittens; check size and banding

Key Identification Features:

Darker banding than other two kittens
Dark patch at the apex of forewings
White head and tip to the abdomen

Of the three 'kittens' (Furcula spp.) in Britain, this has the most contrasting appearance, having dark slate-grey, almost black bands on a white background.

The single generation flies from May to July, and can be found in woodland habitats.
Skinner states that both sexes come frequently to light in small numbers.

The larvae are similar in appearance to the other kittens and should be examined carefully to confirm identification. Skinner gives July to September as the most productive period for finding larvae. The recorded foodplants are birch Betula spp. and Alder Alnus glutinosa. It overwinters inside a tough cocoon attached to the trunk or branch of the foodplant.

Source:http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=6082

Harm
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Critiques [Translate]

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  • pertu Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 12 W: 0 N: 19] (102)
  • [2008-01-01 11:06]

HI Harm!
Nice pic of bicuspis!
It is the only protected species of the 3 Furcula in Hungary, also the rarest. But this is not a big wonder as we do not have many Betula in the contry. Maybe it would have been better to shoot it on Betula bark, but it's still nice anyway!:)
Greg

Hi harm,
Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for this picture of a lovely subject. I hope 2008 brings you lots more opportunities for excellent photography.
Alan

Hi Harm,
that's a beautiful moth, I love the design and I never had the chance to see it in nature.
Thanks and greetings
Sabine - wishnugaruda

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