Photo © Mike Wall
Radford's Flame Shoulder
Ochropleura leucogaster
Checklist Number73.330 [B&F: 2102a]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded at Lepe on the mainland in October 2006 and at Ventnor on the Island in September 2008. From 2015 it has been reported annually, particularly on the island, and 2021 saw a record 42 individuals.
Wingspan 34-37 mm. Resembles Flame Shoulder O. plecta but the forewings are proportionately longer and paler than in O. plecta with an indistinct line of subterminal spots. O. leucogaster has smaller orbicular and reniform stigmata, straighter and more compact 'flame shoulder' running along the upper edge of the forewing to just beyond the reniform stigma, much purer white and larger hindwings with a whitish fringe. The deeply coloured maroon metathorax contrasts sharply with the silky white hairs which cover the anterior abdominal segments and contrast strongly with the dark red thoracic hairs. The abdomen itself is very pale brown, unlike the darker earth-brown colour of O. plecta (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
Wingspan 34-37 mm. Resembles Flame Shoulder O. plecta but the forewings are proportionately longer and paler than in O. plecta with an indistinct line of subterminal spots. O. leucogaster has smaller orbicular and reniform stigmata, straighter and more compact 'flame shoulder' running along the upper edge of the forewing to just beyond the reniform stigma, much purer white and larger hindwings with a whitish fringe. The deeply coloured maroon metathorax contrasts sharply with the silky white hairs which cover the anterior abdominal segments and contrast strongly with the dark red thoracic hairs. The abdomen itself is very pale brown, unlike the darker earth-brown colour of O. plecta (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Larval | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
(MV light trap)().jpg)
(MV light trap)(2).jpg)
