Insects of Britain and Ireland

L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz

Melanism exemplified in moths of Britain and Ireland

Lymantriidae: Lymantria dispar (Gypsy Moth) and L. monacha (Black Arches)

1–3, Lymantria monacha (Black Arches): pale (1) and melanic (2) forms of the male, and female (3). 4–5, Lymantria dispar (Gypsy Moth), female (4) and a typical male (5). Rural melanism: sex-linked and predominant in males in L. dispar.

1, Holme Fen, near Peterborough, 5th July 1956 (L. Watson); 2, Suffolk 1951 (details unknown); 3, Abbot"s Wood, near Hailsham, Sussex, 1917; 4 and 5, provenance unknown.

Revised 11 May 2019

Melanism in moths – general information