This butterfly has been described
as rare in lowland primary forest. It has been observed over a dozen
times in various areas in Singapore at the edges of the forest reserves
and also within the forest reserves. It is a fast-flying butterfly
and can be observed closely only when it stops to feed. I have seen
it feeding on the flowers of the Common Asystasia, and in the photograph
shown here, it was feeding on bird droppings on the forest floor.
The individual shown here was quite determined on having its feast of the
bird dropping that it could be photographed up close. Despite being
disturbed, it returned to the same location to feed on the bird dropping
time and again.
Odina hieroglyphica ortina
is a very pretty Skipper, with cryptic patterns reminiscent of the camouflage
paint of a German Messerschmitt fighter plane in World War II on the desert
front. The orange markings are framed by contrasting dark brown
/ black borders. The undersides are similar in pattern but paler.
The abdomen of the butterfly is striped in orange and black. |
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