The phenotype and frequency of f. medionigra of Panaxia dominula L. (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) at Cothill, Oxfordshire, England, 1988-1991

Abstract

New research at Cothill Fen and examination of E. B. Ford's field note-books have revealed much evidence of great variation in the expression of the medionigra form of Panaxia dominula L. Over the years there is a high probability that individual insects have been misclassified. While this casts doubts on the accuracy of the published frequencies of the medionigra form and hence of the medionigra allele, it seems unlikely that the errors will have any serious effect on the interpretations and principles of ecological genetics that the long-term study has revealed. It is clear that both the fore- and hindwings must be examined before a judgement can be made about the phenotype of any individual moth. The new work shows that the medionigra form remains at a low frequency at Cothill. The colony is flourishing, the population size in 1991 being the largest ever recorded.