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Foster's Furry Blue
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Huesca, N
Spain, August 2003
Male |
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Huesca, N
Spain, August 2003
Male |
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Huesca, N
Spain, August 2003
Female |
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Huesca, N
Spain, August 2003
Female |
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This species is found only in a restricted region of northern Spain. It was
over at lower levels in early August 2003 but at the limit of its altitudinal
range at 1200m we found it in reasonable numbers and fair condition. It is
closely similar to A. dolus with which it may fly in places. Generally ainsae
is smaller but this isn't a reliable identification feature on its own.
The females differ in that ainsae has a very bold streak along
underside vein 4. dolus may have a streak but if so it is relatively very
faint and washed out. The female is very similar to A. ripartii. There
are several features I used to distinguish it from ripartii and other
similar species and these are discussed under the species pages for A.
agenjoi (Agenjo's Anomalous Blue)
The males differ subtly in the shade of blue on the upperside - creamer in ainsae.
More reliably the "furry" patch of andriconal scales that form the sex
brand is rougher in ainsae, follows the veins towards the discal area and
appear to rise further from the plane of the wing. Unfortunately my photos don't
show these features. It was too hot for any of my males to open their wings.
Your choice if you believe me that these are ainsae!
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