Butterflies at Bukit Rengit - Sept 2015

Recently i went for a half-day birding trip at Bukit Rengit which is located at the State of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Although the trip was more on birds but i did try a few shots at some of the butterflies.

Orsotriaena medus

Its common name is "Dark Grass Brown and it was found near the forest edge.

Cirichlora emalea emalea

Saw this "Malay Yeoman" wandering in the middle of the road and under the hot scorching sun. Then i realised that it was going to puddle at a dead animal carcass.

Parthenos sylvia

Commonly known as the "Clipper". Seen getting some minerals from the granite stones - probably the minerals were left by some animals.

Lastly this "Common Rose" stayed long enough for a photo shoot.

Pachliopta aristolochiae

I also saw a few "Stripped Blue Crow" (male) and "Lesser Stripped Black Crow" flying around. 

Overall this place could be a productive place for butterfly watching.

Elymnias esaca (Green Palmfly)

Elymnias esaca

Initially this butterfly was thought to resemble a Jezebel Palmfly (Elymnias Vasudeva). But after seeking confirmation from local expert, Dr Laurence Kirton confirmed that it was a female 'Elymnias escaca' which can be found in Peninsular Malaysia but just not so common ! It was alone at that time and was quite skittish as well. Photo was taken in the early afternoon. Location: Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.

Here is Dr Laurence Kirton's explanation: "It is easily confused with Elymnias vasudeva, which has a slightly different wing shape and lacks black submarginal spots. E. esaca also has less heavy black markings on the underside". 

After obtaining confirmation from Dr Laurence K, i decided to look closely at Jezebel Palmfly's photos, and found that they indeed do not have spots towards its hindwings as compared to E. esaca ! Wow didn't know that identifying butterflies can be a real challenge as well.  

Photo id credit: Dr Laurence Kirton from Malaysia and Mr SK Khew from Singapore. 

Plain Banded Awl (H.vitta)

This skipper was seen at one of the forest trails in FRIM, Kepong, Peninsular Malaysia on 1 May 2015 at 12.33pm.

Plain Banded Awl

I believe this skipper is a "Plain Banded Awl" rather than a "White-tipped Palmer". Its wing beats produced a buzzing sound which can be heard if it flies near you. 

Lots of other butterflies were seen but they were all quite common - mainly comprising of Chocolate Grass Yellow, Chocolate Albatross. Here are some CGY photos:

This one was sampling some bird's poo.