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Family: Noctuidae   Checklist Number: 73.128A

Amphipoea sp.  Billberg, 1820

Ear Moth agg.

The Ear Moths are all very similar and can only be reliably identified by reference to the genitalia. Therefore, we have adopted [73.128A - Amphipoea sp. – Ear Moth agg.] in the checklist and on the website for recording purposes for all indeterminate specimens. When Billberg named the genus, he used the vernacular notation “Indet. Ear Moth” for all indeterminate species. However, we have adopted the modern notation of “agg.” denoting aggregate. A little confusing as ear moth (Amphipoea oculea) is an actual species. Leverton & Cubitt (2024) make the sensible suggestion that “ear moth” should be rename as “common ear” to lessen the confusion. It's a pity they didn't adopt it.

References: 
Leverton, R. & Cubitt, M. (2024). The Larger Moths of Scotland.
Waring, P. & Townsend, M. (2018 third edition). Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland.

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