It is not possible to separate Arhopala muta from A. moorei based on the underside.
They have similar genitalia & were thus in the past considered as possibly one species.
Mutal Oakblue is I think a name from the Thai Checklist.
The word muta in Latin means change & refers to the changeable colour of the wings.
Derived English words include mutate, mutable & mutation.
I understand that the A moorei may have been sighted in the Central Catchment Reservoir area.
My apologies that I am totally new and know very little about Arhopalas. They are rather challenging species. How then do we differentiate both these Arhopalas if I should encounter the species again?
By the way, I got the common name of the A. muta, ie Mutal Oakblue from Khew's Butterflies of Singapore book.
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.
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
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