Photo Highlights

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Nov
2007

Arhopala eumolphus maxwelli
The Green Oakblue

by Gan CW
 
The Green Oakblue was thought to be extinct in Singapore by early researchers. In 2001, BIG spotted an individual in the Nature Reserves. However, it was not until Sep 2006 that BIG managed to capture this rare greenish Oakblue butterfly on photo and set the record straight once and for all that this species is still alive in Singapore.

Sep
2007

Daphnis nerii
Oleander Hawk-moth

by Gan CW

The Oleander Hawk-moth is one of the more common hawk moths ( Sphingidae ) in Singapore.  Their Caterpillars are stout, with cylindrical hairless body and a prominent tapering horn on their last segment. In Singapore, the caterpillar can usually be found feeding on the leaves of the Madagascar Periwinke (Catharanthus spp)

Jul
2007

Elymnias panthera panthera
Tawny Palmfly

by Gan CW

The Tawny Palmfly can be mistaken for a faded Common Palmfly by a casual observer.  It is less common than the Common Palmfly and can usually be seen flying singly in urban parks and forests where its caterpilllar host plant, the Fishtail Palm (Caryota spp) is found.  

Apr
2007

Pathysa antiphates itamputi
Five Bar Swordtail

by Laurence Leong

The Five Bar Swordtail is a forest denizen which is easily mistaken for a Pieridae when in flight. The males of this species can usually be found puddling at moist spots at the forest fringe.
When at rest, they can be easily identified by a pair of very long, slender and tapering tails

 

Mar
2007

Delias hyparete hyparete
Painted Jezebel
by Gan CW

This is the most common Jezebel in Indonesia. Like its close cousin in Singapore (Delias hyparete metarete), it can be seen fluttering in residential and urban areas.
The Indonesian subspecies differs from the Singapore subspecies in that the red patches on its underside hind wing are black bordered and in the female the forewing tip is yellow dusted.
 

Feb
2007

Pratapa deva relata
White Royal
by Richard Ong

This rare Lycaenidae butterfly was recently sighted at an urban park in the southern part of Singapore.
It is slightly smaller than the similar looking but more common Peacock Royal (Tajuria cippus ).
In the male, the upperside is lustrous blue while the female is paler blue.

The caterpillar of this butterfly feeds on Loranthus sp.
 

2006
Jun

Tajuria dominus dominus
by Gan CW

This very rare small butterfly from from the Lycaenidae family  was discovered at the Alexandra Hospital Butterfly Trail (AHBT). 

Two other more common relatives of this family are  Tajuria cippus maxentius (Peacock Royal) and Tajuria mantra mantra.

Caterpillar of this family feeds on parasitic plants which can be seen flourishing on the mature trees around the butterfly trails.

 

2005
Feb

Cheritra freja friggia
Common Imperial

by Gan CW

This lovely butterfly is the latest attraction at the Alexandra Hospital Butterfly Trail (AHBT). The Common Imperial is a rare butterfly in Singapore but at AHBT, many have been seen basking under the sun along the trail.

Similar in shape to the more well known Branded Imperial, the Common Imperial has a pair of very long tails and a pair of short tails. The male is brownish purple on top while the female is dark brown.
 


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