Elymnias nesaea lioneli (Tiger Palmfly)

According to literature, most Elmynias genus are rare breed of butterflies. To be able to photographed a rare butterfly like this Tiger Palmfly it's usually only happened by chance. According to a veteran, 50 years ago Tiger Palmflys were abundant in Klang Valley. Well, it was also reported that one can actually find a seladang or a tiger in Jalan Ipoh during that time. 

Tiger Palmfly (Elymnias nesaea lioneli)

Due to its cryptic colors, one can hardly spot this species if it hides inside a deep shady undergrowth. I was lucky that it came out in the open.

Its intricate colors and pattern on its wings were designed so well that if it hadn't moved, I would have just pass it as another rotten leaf.

Most literature said that in the butterfly world the female butterflies reign - it means that it is much more difficult to spot a female butterfly than a male one. The one seen here could be a male Tiger Palmfly based on its darker forewing colors and pattern. This one here tried to find refuge on some thorny palm trees to deter me from getting closer to it.

Then it flew deeper into the forest and I went after it. The above photo was taken using higher ISO in a thick undergrowth.

I tried to get closer but the thick bushes and thorny leaves just prevented me. The above photo was taken using an internal flash. Such vast contrast.

It's such a pleasant thing to watch butterflies especially when we encounter rare ones like this Tiger Palmfly.