Zizeeria maha serica
is another new species discovered by BIG. This
species does not exist in Malaysia. It was first
sighted by BIG member, Steven Neo, in Oct 2001 at the eastern part of
Singapore and was subsequently bred to adulthood.
Specimens were sent to J. N. Eliot in 2002 for
identification and the species was identified
as
Zizeeria maha, subspecies
serica (C. Felder, 1862) with type
locality Hong Kong. This butterfly must have arrived
by unplanned human agency to Singapore; just like Pieris canidia
(Cabbage White) did in the last century..
Zizeeria maha serica can be distinguished from
Zizula hylax pygmea (Pygmy Blue) by the darker border and bigger
spots along the underside of its wing edges.
The Saturn, which belongs to the Morphinae
sub-family, is a forest denizen that usually rests with
its wings closed. This male individual, was found
dead with its wings opened in the forest reserve,
displaying its brilliantly coloured blue and black
upperside. On the female, the upperside is coloured
dull orange and black instead.
The commoner of the two known species of the genus Polyura
in Singapore. The butterfly is greenish white above and
the forewing has a broad black apical border, which is
very wide at the apex, but decreases in width towards the
tornus and base of the costa. Find out more about this butterfly from
this
article.
more ..
Flying Flowers
by Steven Neo, Betty L Khoo and Andrew Tay
The sight of butterflies flitting
and feeding from flower to flower is something that urban
Singaporeans can still appreciate in our parks, but probably few make
the connection between the worm-like fat caterpillar that
chews up the leaves of plants and the gorgeous butterfly
with its exquisitely delicate wings.
more ...
04/01/03
