Eurema hecabe contubernalis (Common Grass Yellow)

The Common Grass Yellow is often referred to as the most abundant butterfly in Malaysia and Singapore.  The species can be found throughout Singapore, even in the heart of the city.  When in flight, it is almost indistinguishable from the other 4 Eurema species found in Singapore.  Perhaps the status of Eurema hecabe is overestimated, as, in several catch-and-release surveys in the nature reserves, I have discovered that the more common species is the Three-Spot Grass Yellow (Eurema blanda snelleni). The butterfly, with its bright lemon yellow wings with black bordering on the upperside and dark brown markings on the underside, is often very variable, particularly in the underside markings.   The female is larger and a paler yellow, with broader black but diffused markings on the uppersides of both wings.   In the specimen photographed, the dark brown marking at the apex of the forewing is rather distinct.  However, there are specimens where this marking is very small or even not present. The Common Grass Yellow feeds on a variety of Leguminosae and amongst its favourites are Albizzia, Cassia and Caesalpinia.  I have bred it on Peacock Flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Seven Golden Candlesticks (Cassia alata).

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