The unpredictable weather continues in September. It was windy and cloudy in the morning and rain came pouring down in the afternoon most of the time. In between those times, there were only a few hours of sunlight. Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, I still managed to score a few rare and interesting species.
Malay Rajah
(Charaxes distanti distanti)
One of the most sort after 'Rajah' by butterfly photographers.
Malay Rajah
(Charaxes distanti distanti)
It is more orangey looking than the more common 'Tawny Rajah'.
Dark Flat
(Tapena thwaitesi bornea)
This uncommon / rare flat decided to seek some salty mineral from my hand. This is only my second time seeing it.
Banded Red Forester
(Lethe minerva minerva)
This is an uncommon forester and it's a male. It's like having gold flakes on its HW. Surprisingly at the moment there are no records yet in iNaturalist for this species.
White Tiger
(Danaus melanippus hegesippus)
This Danaus continued to appear frequently in September.
Aberrant Oakblue
(Arhopala abseus abseus / Flos abseus abseus)
This Arhopala is actually quite small - about the size of a Nacaduba.
Autumn Leaf
(Doleschallia bisaltide pratipa)
This Autumn Leaf species comes in a few forms / colours.
This Prosotas was seen on a hill side and it has a dark bluish upperside. Hence I believe (about 95%) that it is a male Prosotas pia pia (Margined Line Blue)
Pale-tailed Awl
(Hasora myra funebris)
Although not rare but I think not many people has photograph this Awl - probably due to its skittish behavior and also its dull brown colours which may have also caused people to overlook it.
A comparison of Nawabs
This Nawab is easier to identify due to its larger 'green leaf' on its side. Also note its bluish leg.
Dark Posy
(Drupadia theda thesmia)
At certain places this Posy has become quite common.
Common Mormon
(Papilio polytes romulus)
Like most of its close relatives, this Mormon can be seen more often flying restlessly along the trails but this male did came down momentarily to puddle.
A comparison of Graphiums
A comparison of Lemon Emigrants
A comparison of Purple Duke (Eulacera osteria kumana)
A comparison of Barons
Malayan Baron
Dark Jungle Glory
(Thaumantis noureddin noureddin)
White-banded Awl
(Hasora taminatus malayana)
This Awl has been appearing in many locations lately including Singapore.
White-banded Awl
(Hasora taminatus malayana)
I would describe this Awl as seasonal and just moderately common.
Constable
(Dichorragia nesimachus deiokes)
Always a delight to see this uncommon deep forest butterfly.
Common Jester
(Symbrenthia lilaea luciana)
Common Gem
(Poritia hewitsoni taleva - corbet)
Miletus gigantes
Giant Brownwing
Small Leopard
An upperside view of a Caleta elna elvira
Elbowed Pierrot
Wizard
(Rhinopalpa polynice eudoxia)
Male
I always prefer this side view rather than the top view.
Here comes the uncommon ones.
White Club Yellow Palmer
(Zela excellens)
Apparently at this point of time, there were only 6 records in iNaturalist. It is just about the size of a Pyoneura (Lancer). I was so lucky to spot it. The above was just a record shot before it zip away like a supersonic jet. Then to my delight, it flew back and landed not too far away.
White Club Yellow Palmer
(Zela excellens)
This photo (including the above one) was taken without using a flash.
White Club Yellow Palmer
(Zela excellens)
I couldn't get close enough as it perched on a slope and at the same time I couldn't move further back as the ravine is just behind me. This one was taken with a flash.
White Club Yellow Palmer
(Zela excellens)
At about 100 meters away, I think I have spotted another one. This one looks slightly more pristine. Both are males I believe.
Colour Sergeant
(Athyma nefte subatra)
Here is another rare jewel of the forest.
Common BlueJohn
(Deramas livens livens)
It was seen just beside a trail. At first I thought it could be a Nacaduba but upon closer look, I realised that it's a different species. It also looks like some Simiskina and Surendra from afar. I didn't manage to get any other angle shots as it stayed in the same position for quite some time. CP says this is the most likely 'Deramas' one would encounter among other equally rare 'Deramas'. When I tried to move closer it finally flew off. That's when I saw its blue upperside which confirmed that the above is a male. It's an incredible discovery indeed.
Common BlueJohn
(Deramas livens livens)
I have also found that apparently there are still some Deramas out there which have yet to be described by science.
Straight Line Mapwing
(Cyretis nivea nivalis)
Male
They liked trails which are soggy and shady.
Here is an Egg-fly which I seldom encounter.
Jacintha Egg-fly
(Following CP book as reference, this looks like a Hypolimnas bolina jacintha f. incommoda.
Jacintha Egg-fly
(Hypolimnas bolina jacintha f. incommoda)
This female Egg-fly is huge.
A beauty to behold for the eyes only.
