Understanding the butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia - Jan 2021

There are currently about 1182 species of butterflies been recorded in Malaysia (Wilson et al, in Norfazliana et al., 2018) with almost 80% of them are found in East Malaysia (i.e in Borneo Island) (Yong HS, 1983; Corbet and Pendlebury, 1992). Butterflies have many roles to play in our ecosystem. Not only are they the food source of many animals like birds and mammals but they are also well known pollinators.

Butterflies are also an important part of conservation efforts. The threat of extinction of some species are real. The loss and degradation of its forest habitat due to anthropogenic activities and poaching were some of the main concerns. Its elegance and beauty also provide a sense of eureka to nature lovers when one sees them (especially the rare ones).

The monsoon season is still continuing in this region as I write. It will probably ends somewhere in mid February. Nevertheless the butterflies took the advantage of intermittent sunlight to come out and enjoy themselves. Here are some of them which have been spotted recently.

Branded Imperial (Eooxylides tharis distanti)

Status: common

Branded Imperial (Eooxylides tharis distanti) - minus its tail

 

Small Yellow Sailor (Neptis miah batara)

Status: uncommon

Small Yellow Sailor showing its under wings

Small Yellow Sailor (front view)

                                                                                                                   

 A comparison between a 'Common Lascar' (Pantoporia hordonia) - left and a 'Small Yellow Sailor' (Neptis miah batara) (right)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                  

Common Posy (Drupadia ravindra moorei)

Status: common in certain areas

I find that 'Common Posy' is much more skittish than the above 'Branded Imperial'

Yamfly (Loxura atymnus fuconius)

Although 'Yamflies' are reported to be common but it's not easy to see them either

Malayan Tailed Judy (Abisara savitri savitri)

Status: uncommon

Like a singer under a spotlight

Starry Bob / Malay Chestnut Bob (Iambrix stellifer)

Status: uncommon to rare

Starry Bob / Malay Chestnut Bob showing its upper wings

                                                                                          

   

A comparison between a 'Chestnut Bob' (Iambrix salsala salsala ) - left and a 'Starry Bob' (Iambrix stellifer) (right)

                                        

Red-spot Duke (Dophla evelina compta)

Status: common to uncommon

Mottled Bush Brown (Mycalesis janardana sagittigera)

Status: common

Nearly step on it a few times as it likes to puddle close to the side of the trail.

Malayan Five-Ring (Ypthima horsfieldii humei)

Another common butterfly 

Centaur Oakblue (Arhopala centaurus nakula)

Status: seasonal/uncommon

Its upper side is bluish 

Peninsular Ace (Halpe pelethronix pelethronix)

Status: common to uncommon

Just like birds, certain butterflies allow you to get very close to them.

Peninsular Ace showing its upper sides.

HAPPY BUTTERFLY SPOTTING !!