Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia modesta)

Like the Leopard Lacewing (Cethosia cyane) and Tawny Coster (Acreae terpsicore), this butterfly named Julia Heliconian (Ssp Dryas iulia modesta) is a non-native butterfly in Malaysia. It is said to have originated from South America (Costa Rica to be exact) and probably an escapee from some butterfly farms in a neighbouring country before moving southwards. In Malaysia, it was first reported at Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi in 2009 by a few Singaporean butterfly spotters. In 2014 it was then reported to have reached Petaling Jaya and four years later the species finally reached Singapore. 

(ref info: https://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-julia-heliconians-samba-continues.html?m=1)

This butterfly recently visited my garden for the first time.

With its bright orangey color, I believe this should be a male.

It went from one pot to another.

Here is a look at its under wing which is less vibrant. Unfortunately it did not stay long.

WHAT A BUTTERFLY !

Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia - July 2020

It has been raining cats and dogs in the evenings over here. The only window of opportunity to see wildlife here is in the morning. Here are a few butterflies seen lately.

Psolos fuligo (Brown Bob)

Here is the underside of Brown Bob

Chocolate Albatross

Common Banded Demon

Malayan Jester (Symbrenthia hippoclus selanagorana)

Apparently this butterfly is quite rare in this region

So as this one below

Straight Pierrot (Caleta roxus)

The above butterfly was my lifer butterfly - first time seeing it.

THANK YOU.

Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia - June 2020 (Part 2)

The Cruiser (Vindula erota erotella)

At 4.3 cm, it's quite a large butterfly.

In most butterflies, their upper wings pattern and colors are more outstanding than their underwings.

Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe)

Very common in neighbourhood gardens.

Stripped Albatross (female)

(Appias libythea)

Another common garden butterfly.

Stripped Albatross (male)

(Appias libythea)

I don't see them pairing like the birds although they are close by.

Eooxylides tharis (Branded Imperial)

Although common, this butterfly seldom venture out in the open.

It will usually stick to the thick bushes along the jungle trails.

Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon)

This butterfly can be quite common in your garden.

The only problem  with this butterfly is that they seldom stay still and they fly quite fast as well

Common Imperial

It's more common in the jungle trails than in the parks

One of its main features is that its upper tail is longer than the lower tail 

Plain Hedge Blue (Celastrina lavendularis)

Another forest butterfly

Puddling on the road

This should be a Common Palmfly (Elymnias hypermnestra) - distinguished by the white costal spot at its hindwing.

Here are some quite rare butterflies which i have encountered recently

Scientific name: Amblypodia narada taooana

                           Common name:     "Blue Leaf Blue"                                          

I had to rely on local butterfly expert i.e Monsieur Liew to identify the above butterfly.

Another uncommon butterfly or rather skipper

Darpa striata striata (Striated Angle)

It was seen resting on a wild banana plant leave.

Elbowed Pierrot (Caleta elna elvira)

The above butterfly was identified with the help of friends in the "Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia" FB group. It is slightly different from 'Straight Pierrot' (Caleta roxus) in that the latter's forewing band is straighter and its black blotches appear darker than the above butterfly.

A Plain Hedge Blue (1.6 cm) puddling together with Elbowed Pierrot (1.7 cm)

The Commander (Moduza procris)

The above photo could have been better if the surface was smoother

Royal Assyrian (Terinos terpander)

Not easy to find a Royal Assyrian with its wings opened like this. Most of the time they are clasped.

Until we meet again - Au Revoir !