Cryptic UK moth species
There are some species of British moth that are not reliably possible to ID without dissection or at least a very detailed look by an expert. Sadly Artificial Intelligence ("Computer Vision") can be overconfident at assigning a species to these - with some of these it's simply impossible from photos.
iNaturalist has the ability to ID to 'complex', meaning you can say it's one of a cryptic species group. However use this with some caution, as it's not possible for sightings IDed at the complex level to be sent to other databases such as iRecord, and it may be preferable to ID to genus with a note. If in doubt as your local recorder how you would like these species complexes reported to them.
There are too many cryptic micromoths to really list here! But below are the macromoths that are usually "aggregated" by recorders. Don't be disappointed if these never make species level Research Grade, or be annoyed if someone nudges an ID down to genus or complex - even from excellent photos.
November Moth Eppirrita diluta / Pale November Moth E. christyi / Autumnal Moth E. autumnata
Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens / Grey Dagger Acronicta psi [note larvae are distinct]
Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea / Svensson's Copper Underwing A. berbera [these can be told apart by the hindwing pattern of fresh specimens, but this requires manipulation of the moth to see properly. There is some further guidance out there but there's debates of whether other features such as the palp colour are reliable or not]
Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis / Rufous Minor O. versicolor / Tawny Marbled Minor O. latruncula
Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis / Lesser Common Rustic M. didyma / Remm's Rustic M. remmi
Large Ear Amphipoea lucens / Saltern Ear A. fucosa / Crinan Ear A. crinanensis[/i] / Ear Moth A. oculea
Others that can sometimes be done by experts on external characteristics, but may not be possible for all specimens / photos:
Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia / Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet X. ferrugata
Treble-bar Aplocera plagiata / Lesser Treble-bar A. efformatdone
Chestnut Conistra vaccinii / Dark Chestnut C. ligula
Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines / Rustic Hoplodrina blanda
