Western Thailand Arhopala species

[DaveChiangMai]

Four Arhopala species from western Thailand that I have tentatively identified.
Only problem is that some appear out of range.

Image 1 and 2). Same individual. From Kaeng Krachan, northern Peninsula. I think this must be A. silhetensis. Although there does not appear to be any records from western Thailand specifically, there are some from north and south, so I am pretty confident on this one.

Image 3 and 4). Same individual. From Kanchanaburi province, nw of Bangkok. Looks like A. antimuta, though again known from north and south, but not western Thailand.

Image 5. From Kanchanaburi province, nw of Bangkok. Looks like A. lurida, but this species is only know from the south of Thailand, so would be quite far out of range.

Image 6 and 7. Two different individuals, but taken same place and look the same species to me. From Kanchanaburi province, nw of Bangkok. Looks like A. antimuta, though again known from north and south, but not western Thailand.

Image 1.
409A6676.JPG

Image 2.
409A6677.JPG

Image 3.
409A6994.JPG

Image 4.
antimuta.JPG

Image 5.
409A6981.JPG

Image 6.
409A6971.JPG

Image 7.
antimuta.JPG

[Psyche]

1 & 2 is A. silhetensis.
The range is from India ,Sylhet (Silhet)Bangladesh to Sundaland.

3 & 4 is A. antimuta.
Range is from Myanmar to Laos & south to Sumatra.

5 is A. lurida. Correction: Arhopala atosia.
Range is S. myanmar to Sundaland.

6 & 7 are forms of A. antimuta.

A. antimuta ;Tailess; FW spot 4 shifted out :HW band usually complete dislocation at vein 2 ;spot 7 on top of spot 6 ( ie not shifted inwards ); green scales present.



TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks for the confirmations.
Incredibly I managed to identify them correctly!
A. lurida would be the most interesting as according to Kimura and Yutaka, there are no collected specimens from western Thailand.

[Psyche]

5. The separation of lurida & atosia based on the underside alone can be difficult.

A. atosia ;Underside markings less contrasted ; HW postdiscal spots 4 & 5 typically well out of alignment.
All confirmed examples.
https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhopa...naMUpUnAC1.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/chec..._atosia_01.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/chec..._atosia_02.jpg

Arhopala lurida; Underside markings better contrasted; HW spots 4 & 5 often partially well aligned.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhopa...daMUpUnAC1.jpg
These undersides are presumed to be correct as lurida.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77ePzykO3...0/DSC_0148.JPG
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-conte...ala-lurida.jpg

Without the upperside & not knowing the variations of the underside there is a possibility of it being A. lurida.


TL Seow: Cheers.
PS. On 2nd thought 5 should be A. atosia.
A. lurida is described as DARKER with the markings better contrasted.
Set specimen fades overtime making comparison difficult.
In life A. lurida should be as this.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fCALM3Zi...ala+lurida.jpg

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks for the further details.