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.

Zemeros emesoides emesoides (The Malayan Punchinello)

The Malayan Punchinello (Zemeros emesoides emesoides) is a rather uncommon butterfly in this region. It is one of the only two species of the "Zemeros" genus found here. The other one is the slightly more "common" Punchinello (Zemeros flegyas albipunctatus).

Like its close relative i.e the "Punchinello", this "Malayan Punchinello" strives better in a hilly terrain.

I was quite lucky to see it recently.

A side profile of the 'Malayan Punchinello'

This one here is quite friendly as it allows me for a close view. In fact I could even touch it if I want to!

This butterfly hardly open its wings widely like other butterflies.

Here are some photos of another Malayan Punchinello taken at the same location a few weeks after the above.

The above new one is slightly smaller and its forewing is also shorter.

I am assuming that it might just came out of pupation (an immature).

A few minutes later, a Pin-stripped Tit Babbler was seen taking a 'bite' at one of its hind wings.

Such a wonderful butterfly !

Malayan Tail Judy (Abisara savitri savitri)

Malayan Tail Judy (Abisara savitri savitri) is a forest dwelling butterfly. It is generally uncommon in this region and is reported to be more abundant in hilly areas such as in Fraser's Hill. 

If it can avoid predation, I think it can live for quite a long time as I have been seeing this one for the past two weeks. According to literature, the life span of an adult butterfly is generally between 20 - 30 days and some even more (ref: Encyclopedia of the Butterfly World). 

This butterfly can be skittish at times.

Its color is generally rusty brown as you can see here. 

This butterfly is not a fast flier. It generally "hops" / "flutters" from one place to another. 

A frontal look

"NATURE GIVES US IMMENSE JOY SO WE MUST TREASURE THEM"