ID confirmation please

[chengailim]

Yes, Jonathan. There is no definite confirmation of A moorei sightings.

I am just curious how both are differentiated if I should see these Arhopalas in future. My understanding from website search seemed to suggest that the colours of the upperside are indicators for differentiation.

Regards,
Cheng Ai

[Psyche]

All three species A. muta, moorei & metamuta were recorded from Singapore.

A. metamuta male has the greatest contrast between FW & HW. If you get a flying shot with differently coloured FWs & HWs it is most likely to be this.
On the FW underside if raised high, spot 2 & 3 are fully in line , in muta & moorei these two spots are partially dislocated between them.
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/lyc4/81950001.html
This is labelled A. muta but FW spots 2 & 3 their margins are in line.
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-conte...1-1080x720.jpg


A. muta is also like A. metamuta but less contrasted & the HW reflects paler blue sometimes only at an angle.
The female is uniform purple blue.
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/lyc4/81930010.html
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/lyc4/81930020.html

A. moorei does not have the reflective change in both sexes.
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/lyc4/81940010.html

Is there a possible way to differentiate between the two from the undersides, let alone even the upperside is tough enough.

Possibly this may work.

1. A. metamuta; UnH spot 6 quadrate & relatively narrow; FW spot 2 & 3 in line (diagnostic).

2. UnH spot 6 large ;FW spots 2 & 3 partially dislocated between them.

A. muta; HW spot 6 large & rounded.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/check...blue-TanBJ.jpg
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/A...iMFUpUnAC1.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/check...e-HoraceT2.jpg

A. moorei ;UnH spot 6 with more angular margins.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhopa...iMFUpUnAC1.jpg
https://singapore.biodiversity.onlin...0441?imageId=1


TL Seow: Cheers.

[chengailim]

Thank you so much Dr Seow, for the detailed explanations. It is much appreciated!

Regards
Cheng Ai