Like
most Hesperiids, this butterfly is a fast flyer and is seldom encountered.
I chanced upon this individual at the Mandai Orchid Gardens, feeding on
some rocks which had been contaminated with orchid fertiliser. As
I had disturbed its meal, it quickly zipped away to perch on a brick, where
I managed to squeeze off only one shot. After that, it disappeared
into the forested areas surrounding the Orchid Gardens.
Badamia exclamationis
is rather rare is Singapore, although I have observed this species at a
number of locations, Sg Buloh Nature Park being one of them. The
upperside is brown with greyish green scaling at the wing bases.
The forewings have elongate whitish streaks in the cell. The pale
greyish underside has a glazed appearance. The large abdomen is characterised
by black and yellow banding. The wings are rather elongate, and in
a set collection, gives the appearance of a sleek stealth fighter. |