Comparing Dark chestnut and chestnut moths for identification purposes.



dark chestnut



chestnut

When in the field these 2 moths can be confusing to separate, with some luck you will trap ones that have good colouration and be in mint condition. They will then show the diagnostic features that separate them. Firstly, a dark chestnut. Note the stronger, darker chestnut hue, the end of wing shape and the way these are folded. Also, on good condition creatures white marks along the edge of the wings are visible. These are not found on the chestnut (below.)

Also, on the chestnut a row of curved black dots can be seen towards the end of the wings and, frequently, a dark area can be noted in the kidneyspot on the chestnut.