Identification of Orthomiella rantaizana and O. pontis

[DaveChiangMai]

Typical examples of Orthomiella rantaizana and O. pontis seem to be straight-forward to separate. However, I frequently find my observations and photos seem to look intermediate between the two, and I can find no good way of telling them apart.

Pointers to identification are given in Pisuth's book mentioning the straighter termen in rantaizana, though specimen photos on Yutaka and in Kimura do not always show this well, so does not seem to be a reliable way to tell them apart. Probably the most useful differentiation is background colour? Paler on pontis. However, some paler individuals appear to have rather dark markings and look rather dark at the base of the base of the hindwing. It's quite confusing.

I would be interested in any useful feature to separate them, and comments on the identities of these photos (all taken at high altitude on Doi Pha Hom Pok, n Thailand).

Only image 2 would I call a definite O. pontis. The others all have features pointing to both as far as I can see.

Many thanks.

Image 1.
b1.JPG

Image 2.
b2.JPG

Image 3.
b3.JPG

Image 4.
b4.JPG

Image 5.
b5.JPG

Image 6.
b6.JPG

[Psyche]

This is very difficult & confusing.

It is probable there is only one species O. pontis.
It is necessary to look at pontis in India where rantaizana is absent & to look at rantaizana in Taiwan where pontis is absent.

O. pontis; UnH markings fairly sharp & defined. FW postdiscal & cell marks should be present.
Colour veriable & FW shape generally more rounded in the male. Addendum: Ground colour pale & markings typically contrasted.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...unte_an395.jpg
http://www.flutters.org/home/photoga...g_mishra_2.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sp...omiella-pontis


O. rantaizana ;Male wingshape generally straighter.
UnH with the markings poorly defined. FW markings washed out & faint. Addendum: Ground colour deep brown & markings poorly contrasted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthom...a_20150315.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scapeview/39754383745/
http://dearlep.tw/species.html?namec...631b2075b96117
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/lyc4/81410001.html

Images 2 & 5 have poorer FW markings but submarginal marks are also present.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks for the feedback. Glad it's not just me that finds these very confusing.

By the way, the third link for O. rantaizana is now defunct.

[Psyche]

Many thanks for the feedback. Glad it's not just me that finds these very confusing.

By the way, the third link for O. rantaizana is now defunct.

The link is fine . Just wait for the image to appear. Ignore the 'no image available' sign.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Thanks. Actually it appears to be a problem with Internet Explorer only. Works fine with Chrome. Some version issues.

[Angiud]

For me all your pics are O.rantaizana.

Here O.pontis



and this is O.rantaizana



Simply on the field pontis is a bit larger and way paler than rantaizana