Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus malayanus)

Here is another butterfly which would require your mental faculties to work overtime. If you have compared the photos in the literature with the photos below, you might probably have some doubts on its identification. The literature described the butterfly as having a black upperside and a creamy ground color underside. Most of the pictures in the field guide as well as in the internet in fact show an almost overall black coloration. 

The reason for this color distortion was probably due to the effect of direct sunlight. There were however several features which i have used to derived my conclusion on this butterfly.

i)  There is a large ocellus spot in between interspace 7 and post discal section of its wing.

ii) large number of irregular spots on forewings in interspaces 5 to 8 towards Apex (M3 - R4).

iii) two orange spots in between the area of 'tornus' and 'postdiscal' on its hindwing.

Here it is again under a shade.

This butterfly was photographed in Northern Peninsular of Malaysia and it was surprising to know that the literature has considered this butterfly a pest !

HAPPY BUTTERFLYING !

Butterflies of Ulu Langat Forest - May 2016

Watching and identifying butterflies can be just as tricky as birding. Some of them can be straight forward while some may need your closer observation. Have a look at the photo of the following skipper:

It has dark brown underside and a creamy white band. Your first thought could be a "Dark Banded Ace" (Halpe ormenes). But it was actually just a "Common Banded Demon" (Notocrypta paralysos).

Here it is again from another angle. In bright light, the all black color description associated with this skipper would have distorted the views of some people.

The other butterflies seen in this forest area are more straightforward:

Banded Yeoman (Cirrochroa orissa)

Small Leopard (Phalanta alcippe alcesta)

This "leopard" surely wont eat humans.

Chestnut Bob (Lambrix salsala salsala)

This skipper is however less confusing on its features.

Chocolate Albatross (Appias lyncida)

One of the most common butterfly which you can find in inland forest.

Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae)

The most common 'swallowtails' which you will encounter. This photo was taken while it was still fluttering.


There are not many butterflies seen around lately. Could it be due to the current hot weather or perhaps i was just not paying much attention.


HAPPY BUTTERFLYING !

Swamp Tiger (Danaus affinis)

Sorry to disappoint you but this is not a real tiger. It was just a 'common' butterfly but it is reportedly a mangrove specialist. Saw this swamp thing at a mangrove area at Kuala Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia recently.

Side view

Front view

Looks quite menacing from the front.

View from the top

Saw at least 5 of them and they can be quite quarrelsome among themselves.

Have a Great Butterflying Year ahead !