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Pyrgus observations These are observations on the white markings on the underside hindwings of the target seven species. Some of these markings appear consistent, some fall within a defined band, some are consistent with exceptions, and others appear quite inconsistent. Input is invited. When the information is as complete as possible, a study will be made in late March to test these hypotheses against tens of each species in the NHM archive.
Marginal band: s1/s2: these markings are nearly always sagittate for all species. The strength of the markings, and whether they are solid, seems reasonably consistent. Is serratulae always solid? Is this (strongly) indicative of serratulae or can other species show solid marks here? Alveus seems be consistent in being weak and amorphous here. Armoricanus seems to be consistently highly sagittate but not solid; the uph sub-marginal marks of armoricanus are often quite sagittate (as is malvoides, but no danger of confusion) - is there a connection here?
s3 and s6 postdiscal: armoricanus always seems to have clear spots here. Other species seem to, to a greater or lesser extent, so to what degree (if any) is this a pointer to armoricanus?
v5: the rectangular mark on V5 (half filling both s4 and s5) appears on all species. It appears to be a consistent indicator. The key elements seem to be the length, the neatness of the internal edge and whether it is washed over. Carlinae appears to have a consistently long mark here, significantly longer than other species, although serratulae can be quite long. The internal edge for serratulae seems consistently neat and straight. Alveus and armoricanus appear to be consistently short. Cirsii appears to be usually washed over with red-brown, as does onopordi to a lesser extent.
Discal band: s1: this appears to be surprisingly consistent. The "signe de Blachier" of onopordi appears consistent and conclusive, the bump being almost split and heavily leaning internally. The regular leaning bump of cirsii seems constant. The rounded large bump, noticeably leaning internally, seems constant for alveus and armoricanus. The serratulae mark appears symmetrical, more regular than bump-shaped, and very slightly leaning internally. Carlinae seems to have a constant non-leaning bump.
s2/s3: s2 appears to be inconsistent for most species, perhaps surprisingly given that s1 seems constant. It seems to be constant for armoricanus, a feature often quoted as an identifier, but it hardly seems definitive. s3 is too small to be of relevance.
s4/5: the discal mark: onopordi seems to be the only species with a non-straight internal edge, often described as anvil-shaped, although the anvil can sometimes appear non-symmetrical. The external edge of armoricanus seems consistently extended at the top and bottom externally, in a rather characteristic shape (but hard to describe). Serratulae seems consistent in having an almost straight external edge, and is often described as quadrangular. Otherwise, no clear indications can be made. Width seems to vary.
s6/7: no clear indications here, with regard to the shape of the marks, or the width compared to s4/5.
Basal band: s1: this is too unclear to draw any conclusions.
s4/5: again, too unclear and too variable to suggest any constant indication. Cirsii seems to be the only species with a degree of consistency, in that the mark appears slight cleft (V-shaped).
s7: this mark is usually clear, but unfortunately seems to be rather inconsistent. It is often quoted that serratulae has a neat round or oval mark here, possibly not touching the veins, or only tangentially, but it appears that some apparent serratulae (the degree of uncertainty is deliberate) have marks that are essentially rectangular but highly rounded where it meets the veins. Does this mean they are not serratulae? Or does it mean that the range of the serratulae mark here is not limited to the "classic" mark? Also, other species appear to have marks here that would appear to be classic for serratulae, but are clearly not. So does this mean that for serratulae, this mark needs to be combined with other factors such as the discal s4/5 mark and maybe colouring.
There seems to be a very wide variety of types of mark here, in terms of width, roundedness of either side, and the angle for near-rectangular marks especially the external edge which can vary between 90 degrees and around 120 degrees. Only armoricanus seemed to be consistently neatly rectangular.
Colour: Armoricanus seems to be consistently dark brown. Cirsii is usually a very distinct warm red-brown, very red. Carlinae is a pale reddish-brown, as is serratulae although usually paler. The other species appear more variable.
Veins: The veins are clearly prominent in armoricanus, slightly so in cirsii, and to a minor extent in carlinae. In alveus they are clearly not prominent. The black edging of the marks (often referred to as a "marbling effect") is strongly characteristic of onopordi, although cirsii sometimes displays this effect to a lesser extent. |