Identifying Zale lunata vs. Zale minerea from photos

Zale lunata (Lunate Zale) and Zale minerea (Colorful Zale) both have variable – and overlapping – coloration and patterning. A key character for separating these two species is the shape of the postmedian (PM) line:

Looking at the overall shape of the PM line segment that’s perpendicular to the leading edge of the wing:

For further context/considerations around identifying these species, see this iNat journal post by paul_dennehy.

Images kindly provided by @becksnyc:
Zale lunata
Zale minerea

References

Zale lunata - Moths of North Carolina
Zale lunata - Pacific Northwest Moths
Zale minerea - Moths of North Carolina
Zale minerea - Pacific Northwest Moths

@mark935 @allen_barlow @stomlins701

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d_kluza 在 2023年04月07日 09:26 所貼文

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Thanks!

發佈由 mark935 約 1 年前

@mark935 @allen_barlow @stomlins701 @pufferchung
FYI -- image issues resolved. The embedded photos are now visible.

發佈由 d_kluza 約 1 年前

Thank you!

發佈由 pufferchung 約 1 年前

This is an outstanding illustration of this key character. Many thanks!

發佈由 allen_barlow 約 1 年前

@michael_lee_bierly I think you find this very interesting.

發佈由 allen_barlow 約 1 年前

This is great, very helpful!

發佈由 stomlins701 約 1 年前

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