Butterflies in March 2021 (Part 1)

Here are a few butterflies' photo which were taken around KL and Selangor regions. Most of them were common though.

A Common Posy looking at its own "avatar".

Yamfly is still around on its favourite perch.

I didn't see any tigers or elephants but I did saw a "Small Leopard" (Phalanta alcippe alcesta)

It's a rather small size butterfly in real life.

Chocolate Demon (Ancistroides nigrita maura) is probably one of the most common 'bobs' you can find in this region.

A Rustic resting almost at the edge of an overhanging leave.

Tufted Jungle King (Thauria aliris pseudaliris)

This is a denizen of deep forest. It came out in the open area at the edge of a forest trail.

Despite its unpleasant looking condition, it was still satisfying to see this uncommon butterfly in the open. Unlike a "cicak" where it can grow back its tail, a butterfly can't regrow its wings once tattered. 

Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites atlites)

You will need to move very slowly if you want to get really close to this butterfly.

Arhopala democritus lycaenaria - White-dotted Oakblue

Despite its status as a common forest butterfly, this is the first time I am seeing it.

My more experienced butterfly friend has helped me to identify the above species as a "Common Mime" (Papilio clytia clytia). It floats gently like a butterfly but it certainly doesn't stint like a bee.

Neptis magadha charon

Common name: Spotted Sailor

Status: rare

I have differentiated it from "Neptis d. nesia" from the row of its forewing spots.

Royal Assyrian (Terinos terpander robertsia)

These are not really sharp photos as it was foraging under some thick jungle but I am just as thrilled to be able to capture its purple streak.

Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia)

An uncommon forest butterfly which name sounds like a fishing lure brand and it looks a bit like the common yellow grass. 

Lastly I have always wanted to know the wing profile of a skipper. They have the unique ability to fold up their wings like a fighter jet.

With the help from a more experience butterfly researcher, here are his description of the wing profile of what I think could be a "Potanthus ganda ganda" (which is reported to be more common in the forested areas):

(1) & (2) are the forewings but (1) is upperside right forewing, (2) is underside left forewing; (3) is upperside left hindwing.

HAVE FUN WITH BUTTERFLIES !!

Butterflies in February 2021

The advantage of staying near a jungle patch is that you will get to see many wildlife including butterflies. While many butterflies would prefer the deeper and shady forest in this bone-dry month but occasionally they do come out too. Here are just some of them which were seen in the month of February.

Yamfly (Loxura atymnus  fuconius)

I believe the above is a male based on the undusted / clear tornus area.

Common Tree Nymph (Idea stolli logani)

Its local name is: "Bidadari Pohon Biasa"

One of the very few butterflies which allows you to take its flight photos.

Like a flying polka-dot tissue paper. The Common Tree Nymph has three spots on space 7 of its hindwing as indicated here. The "Malayan Tree-Nymph" (Idea lynceus logani) apparently only has two spots.

Such an elegant and gentle butterfly.

In butterflies, it was said that polymorphism occurs more frequently in females than in males. 

"Malay Count" (Tanaecia godartii asoka) - female

The male of the above species has different colors.

Its a rather uncommon butterfly.

Straight Banded Catseye (Coelites epiminthia epiminthia) - without flash

Straight Banded Catseye (Coelites epiminthia epiminthia) - with flash

Malayan Bush-Brown

I think there could be some ambiguity on its scientific name. Was it "Mycalesis fusca fusca" or "Mydosama fuscum fuscum"? - Answer: I guess it depends on which stream you are following.

Chocolate Pansy (Junonia hedonia ida)

Another common butterfly

Malayan Sunbeam (Curetis santana malayica)

Did they named it after Tele Santana?

Wish it had open its wings slightly wider. 

Chocolate Grass Yellow (Eurema sari sodalis)

Common Sailer (Neptis hylas papaja) 

Common Four-Ring (Ypthima huebneri)

Malayan Five-ring (Ypthima horsfieldi humei)  - its ocelli on space 4 & 5 are equal size.

One of the subtle differences to look for between a 'Malayan Five-ring' and a 'Malayan Six-ring' (Ypthima horsfieldii humei) is the alignment of their ocellis / rings whereby the rings of a 'Malayan Five-ring' are not aligned / straight, like those of the 'Malayan Six-ring'. 

Could the above butterflies resemble a 'Nacaduba' or perhaps a 'Prosotas' ?

 

A game changer for science or maybe the textile industries etc ?

The above photo might one day expunge the science theory that says adult butterflies don't secrete silk. Entomologist might want to expand their research on what was the 'thing' that this butterfly was secreting cause they are certainly not spider webs.

Branded Imperial (Eooxylides tharis distanti)

Common Mormon (Papilo polytes romulus)

Lastly here are some insects which looks like a moth and butterfly but they are neither of them. They are actually plant hoppers. 

The above is a 'Pochazia transversa' (Ricaniid planthopper)

Flatid Planthopper - Ormenaria rufifascia (Walker) / lawana candida

According to literature, some planthoppers are considered a pest.

IN BETWEEN THE LIGHT AND DARKNESS, I THRIVE

Common Skippers of Peninsular Malaysia

Skippers are little butterflies from the family "Hesperiidae". They are tiny little insects which you can sometimes spot stationing itself quietly on an exposed leave beside the forest trail or sometimes you can just see them zipping past you like a rocket. Here are some of them which were seen in a lowland forest patch. 

Gem Demon (Ancistroides gemmifer gemmifer)

This is a rather uncommon skipper. It is differentiated from other "Bobs" by its pale purplish spots on its underside which can be clearly seen here. 

Bright Orange Palm Dart (Telicota augias augius)

They can be quite common in the open areas of forest trail.

Coconut Skipper (Hidari irava)

It has been awhile since I last saw the above skipper. Reported to be common in residential areas where you can find its namesake plant. Apparently at one time it is also considered a pest. 

Malayan Yellow-veined Lancer (Pyroneura latoia latoia)

This skipper did not stay long enough for me to get a good shot. It flew just above my feet and stayed for less than a minute. Skittish indeed. Reported to be uncommon and localised.

Correction: this is a Sumatran Bob (Arnetta verones)

This is quite a large size skipper at 2.3cm. Essentially a forest skipper but can be commonly found.

Peninsular Ace (Halpe pelethronix)

Most likely a common lowland skipper as I have seen them on many occasions.

Indian Palm Bob (Suastus gremius gremius)

Although reported to be common, this is the first time I have manage to photographed this species.

Fullstop Swift  (Caltoris cormosa)

You can indeed see some tiny "full stop" marks above its forewing area (i.e between space 4 and 5).

Common Palm Dart (Telicota colon stinga)

As its name suggests, it is most likely one of those common dartlets.

Brown Bob (Psolos fuligo fuligo)

A common forest skipper

Lesser Dart (Potanthus omaha omaha)

Bright Red Velvet Bob (Koruthaialos sindu sindu)

AHOY ! SKIPPERS !