The Glistening Caerulean (Jamides elpis pseudelpis) is a recently rediscovered species of this lookalike genus in Singapore.  As identification in the field without voucher specimens would be challenging, Horace Tan shares his meticulous documentation of the early stages of this species to confirm the identity of the Glistening Caerulean.  Bred specimens were then examined carefully for the characteristic markings that validate the finding that it is indeed a rediscovery of this species.

The Glistening Caerulean’s caterpillars appear to prefer to feed on the flowers of its host plant and several individuals were found during the blooming of the Yellow Saraca (Saraca cauliflora) in several locations.  As this Saraca species does not flower all year round, it is highly likely that the caterpillars of this butterfly also feeds on several other host plants’ flowers.

Read all about it at the Butterflies of Singapore BLOG.

The Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina) is well known for its variability, particularly in the polymorphic females.  There are seven subspecies of the Great Eggfly, of which two exist in Singapore.  These are subspecies bolina and subspecies jacintha.  The subspecies jacintha which ButterflyCircle christened the Jacintha Eggfly, also has a polymorphic female.  From published literature on the forms in Malaysia and Singapore, only two known female forms occur.

However, recently, a new form has begun to appear with some regularity in Singapore - although still a rarity by any means.  This new form, with large white patches on the hindwings, and with the subapical spots almost white, differs distinctly from the two known forms in Singapore.  Thus far, a total of five such individuals have been observed in Singapore – two of them observed in the wild.  Will this form continue to exist?  Or will they fade into oblivion again? Only time will tell.

Read all about it at the Butterflies of Singapore BLOG.