Arhopala Collection for ID

[Painted Jezebel]

Islanditis is a mental problem caused by staying in a restricted area too long, in this case, a small island. The quick cure is to get off the island and do a bit of travelling. I have not been off the island since my return from Teman Negara, which is far, far too long. I normally try to leave every three months, which is just about OK.

The symptoms are a general malaise, and a lack of desire to do anything at all, including the planning of the cure!!!! (so it is self-perpetuating). It has taken a lot of will-power to make myself prepare for this short trip.

Regarding pic No.2, I had narrowed it down to those 3, but also had A. zylda in the frame, as I could not see any tooth at vein 2 of the hind wing. It just does not seem to fit any of them exactly, and my failure to get an upperside shot does not help.

[Psyche]

I did suspect it was this ennui thing but got confused when You mentioned a rash in the other thread.

I already did a check on the other possible suspects.
A. zylda have the spot in space 1b straight or slightly curved, so dislocation is partial at vein 2.
A kurzi have the band widely dislocated at vein 2.
The muta subgroup all have very poorly defined markings & the band distinctly dislocated.

A. mooialana seems to have the spot in space 1b a fat V or U ?always, so dislocation at vein 2 is clearly partial.

I think it comes down to A. amphimuta or A. norda.
It looks like A norda, plate66/4 rather than A. amphimuta plate66/1.

TL Seow

[Painted Jezebel]

I did suspect it was this ennui thing but got confused when You mentioned a rash in the other thread.

You have a good memory. The rash was discussed in the Bee Forum, after I got stung, and it appears I am hypersensitive to the Hymenoptera in general.

I keep forgetting to look at the photogravure plates in C&P4. Yes, I think it is more likely to be A. norda. Thank you.

[Painted Jezebel]

Four Malaysian Arhopala which I have tentatively identified. I would be grateful for confirmation or otherwise.

1) Endau Rompin - A. athada?
2) Endau Rompin - A. epimuta?
3) Pulau Pinang - A. aurelia?
4) Pulau Pinang - A. elopura?

[Psyche]

1, 2, & 4 are correct.

3 is actually A. athada.
The tornal lobe is strongly projecting (eg. compared to 4)
There is variability in the placement of the hindwing spots.
Spot 5 is shifted inwards more here, so the gap between it & the cellend bar appeared narrow.

TL Seow
An example with anarrow gap.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bg069Jz45...%2BOakblue.jpg

[Painted Jezebel]

Thank you. 3 out of 4 is not bad for me!

You will be pleased to learn that this is it for the Arhopala, save for specimens from Borneo and Cambodia,...... unless you would like to have a go!

[Psyche]

I could give the Bornean species a try. At least C&P4's key is usable.
As for the Cambodian spp., with about a dozen 'new' and possibly marked subspecies differences, I think I better not.

TL Seow

[Painted Jezebel]

Only 3 Bornean ones, the rest are already happily ID'd.

Good luck, they are not in the best condition!!!! I seem to recall that the first and third were rather small.

[Psyche]

1 is A agesilaus.
Key line 55. Forewing spot 4 nicely in line.
Lne 56. Hindwing spot 6 dead centre between the 2 below.
Line 57. Forewing with a basal spot.

2. should be A aurelia.
Underside purple shaded (probably Bornean race not so slatey).
All others hair-brown (line 129)
Hindwing spot 6 large & overlapping.

3. should A. evansi.
A cleander group member.
The tornal spot seems large but this would leads to A. athada, so its out, & belongs to the alea subgroup.
A. evansi have a slatey pink wash and this over brown viewed at an angle probably create the purplish tone.
Hindwing spot 6 also matched the description.

TL Seow

[Painted Jezebel]

Dear Seow, Thank you.

I was hoping that No. 1 belonged to the muta subgroup, but then, I am always hoping! I already have this sp. recorded.

I suspected No. 2 to be aurelia, but when in Borneo, one always has to ask.

No.3 is a bit of a suprise. To be perfectly honest, the photo is rubbish. I would not expect an ID from such a photo. It was small! Definitely an alea subgroup, but after that I get confused.

PS. I am off to Khao Sok National Park tomorrow morning with Antonio for four days. Please take a rest, depending on what we find, you may need it!!!!!