Thaumantis klugius lucipor (Dark Blue Jungle Glory)

The Dark Blue Jungle Glory is a forest-dependent species which is rather rare.  Although it is observed from time to time in the nature reserves, nothing is known of its life history, or what host plant its caterpillars feed upon.   In the Dark Blue Jungle Glory, which is the sole survivor of the Thaumantis genus in Singapore, the upper sides are an iridescent deep blue in colour.  The beauty of this butterfly is often compared to the Morphos butterflies of the Amazonian forests. The undersides of this species bears crypic patterns of various shades of brown.  This camouflage renders the butterfly invisible when feeding on the forest floor amongst the dead leaves and other organic clutter.   This explains why the butterfly is more often seen with a flash of deep blue as it makes its escape when disturbed.  Most of the time, the butterfly has a sulking habit, preferring deep forested areas, and keeping close to the ground.  It is usually seen early the morning or in the later hours of the day.

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