Little Wood Satyrs with Missing Spots on Top of Wings

[BetCrooks]

Is it common to see Little Wood Satyrs that don't have the "normal" 8 spots? I've seen a few and have been wondering if these are just odd ones, or if I'm missing something.

Has anyone else seen ones like this in the GTA? (This particular one was in Riverwood Park, Mississauga. I'm pretty sure I saw a similar one at Bronte Creek PP.)

[attachment=0:1b8ygijm]LittleWoodSatyrFewerSpotsRiverwoodMississaugaONCanada.jpg[/attachment:1b8ygijm]

[Walter Fisher]

Hi BetCrooks,

I wouldn't say it's common to see Little Wood Satyrs missing spots but it is common to see butterflies with some variation or another on their wings.  I've seen many different butterfly species with less spots, more spots, lighter coloured markings, darker coloured markings, overall lighter in colour, and overall darker in colour.  If you're familiar with the Viceroy butterfly, I have photos of one that is completely missing the distinctive black line that runs across the middle of it's hind-wings.  It happens and is usually just localized in nature.

Hope this helps,
Walter