CHIN'S NATURE CORNER ~ PHOTO GALLERY ~ BUTTERFLIES PAGE 3
Butterflies of Malaysia
Lycaenidae (Riodininae)
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The Harlequin (Taxila haquinus) is a medium-sized metalmark that
inhabits well-wooded areas and may be encountered along forest trails.
Formerly classified under the family Riodinidae, the metalmarks are now placed as a subfamily of Lycaenidae
(with the blues, coppers and hairstreaks).
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Lycaenidae (Lycaeninae)
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The Branded Imperial (Eooxylides tharis) is a striking, little
butterfly with bright orange forewings and
rather long projections on the hindwings that look
like tails. This species can be found in primary and secondary forests, and is
quite often encountered along forest trails.
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The Common Imperial (Cheritra freja), like the Branded Imperial,
has hindwing projections that look like long tails, and may also
be found in primary and secondary forests. This specimen was photographed while it
settled momentarily on a flower bud of the Simpoh tree (Dillenia).
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The Common Posy (Drupadia ravindra) is a small butterfly
with a wingspan of about 3cm to 3.5cm (slightly more than an inch). It has a swift,
darting flight. Like the three lycaenid species described above, it can be found
in primary and secondary forest, and is usually seen along forest trails.
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Chliaria othona (common name n.a.) has filament-like tails and
spots on the hindwings. These resemble antennae and eyes that trick predators into
thinking that part of the butterfly is the head. Should the predator strike at it,
only the hindwings would be damaged, leaving vital organs unharmed.
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Family Hesperiidae
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A medium-size skipper, the Dark Yellow-banded Flat (Celaenorrhinus aurivittatus)
has a wingspan of about 4.5cm (less than two inches). This
species settles with wings open, usually on the underside of a leaf. I found this one on
the top of a leaf; it would have been difficult to photograph if it was underneath.
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Plastingia naga (common name n.a.) is a small skipper
with striking wing markings, i.e. light-coloured streaks set against a dark ground colour. It
is not common. Although this species has a fairly wide distribution, I have only
encountered it twice.
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This page revised on 22 May 2005. Copyright © Chin Fah Shin.
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