Doubtful IDs from Nepal

[Nawab]

Okay, I know this is Celastrina gigas, but I need some concrete keys to convince people. Sir, any help?

14.jpg

[Psyche]

Post 35.

This is a real tough one since there are hardly any description of C. gigas except one in German.

There also DSF whch can look quite different.

Of the Celastrina species in your area, they can be divided into groups.

1, HW postdiscal marks comprise rounded spots & short bars.

C. lavendularis.
https://thaibutterflies.com/Butterfl...-lavendularis/
C. hersilia.
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-conte...a-hersilia.jpg


2. HW postdiscal marks reduced to small rounded spots.


C. huegelii.
Underside medium grey ;submarginal & marginal spots relatively well-formed except towards the apex.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/angiud/49144973403
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celast...sMFUpUnAC1.jpg


C. argiolus.
Submarginal & marginal spots weak often faded especially on the HW.
Ssp iynteata. Underside geyish white.
https://thaibutterflies.com/Butterfl...rina-argiolus/
Ssp kollari. Underside cream white Marginal & submarginal spots on both wing often faded out.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...5b3edcc7-1.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...164a70e4-1.jpg

C. gigas.
The only description is German.
https://archive.org/stream/mitteilun...e/608/mode/1up

A rough Google translation yield only the base is moss green like C. oreas.
Evans also describe this as C. ladonides gigas.
It so happens both these two have more greenish bases.
See link below for both species.
http://www.lycaenidae.gmxhome.de/Lyc...rina-index.htm

From the BOI website the only other diffrent Celastrina has to be C. gigas.

C; gigas.
Underside pale greyish white, the submarginal & marginal marks weak but present. Base ? greenish.
FW submarginal lunules in space 1b & 2 more broadly diffuse & linked continuously.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...807eb92c-1.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...018f1fa1-2.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...da4c987f-1.jpg


Your image looks to be correct.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[Nawab]

Sir, is this Aeromachus kali or A. pygmaeus?

16.jpg

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[Nawab]

These 2 individuals were found at 4300 ft. along with Ypthima sakra. They looked different than usual Ypthima baldus, rather dull scales without any shine. Are they still Y. baldus?
1a
2.jpg

1b
3.jpg

2
4.jpg

[Psyche]

Post 37.
You have two species here.

1. is A. pygmaeus.The antennal club is rounded & drumstick like.
UnH tornus no white marginal spot.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...3f20ddf4-1.jpg

A. kali ;HW tornus with a whitish marginal spot. Antennal club longer & gradual.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...akar_an949.jpg
https://biodiversity.bt/biodiv/obser...b/946_gall.jpg


2. Probably A. jhora. Antennal club gradual UpF almost unmarked.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...1a770739-4.jpg
A. dubius.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...unte_aa891.jpg

[Psyche]

Post 38.
Y. baldus.
Very worn with total loss of cilia.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/me...unte_ah911.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

[Nawab]

Thank you, sir. I think this is a typical Pelopidas conjuncta. Could you have a look please?
7.jpg