Yet another UFO Arhopala

[horace2264]

Encountered this Arhopala today when releasing the P. hordonia specimen in the nature reserve. I could only manage 4 distant shots of this skittish fellow before losing sight of it. At first I thought it is A. atosia, but the forewing post-discal band seems too straight. :thinking:

Dr Seow, please assist with an ID suggestion. :)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q275/horace2264/UFO_Arhopala_USR.jpg

[Psyche]

Wow! You have found a new species.

In A. atosia & lurida spot 7 on the hindwing is situated further inwards from spot 6 so there is a step between these 2 spots on the inner margin.

It is another member of the alea subgroup.
It is A. aroa.

The postdiscal & submarginal bands are well separated.
The forewing termen is convex or rounded.
Spot 6 on the hindwing is typical wider above & narrower below, and quite far from spot 5.

TL Seow:cheers:

[horace2264]

Many thanks, Dr Seow for the quick ID suggestions. :)
I took a look at C&P4 Plate 67 fig 9 for A. aroa, and can see the similarity in various features you pointed out. We need a bit more leg work to track down a voucher specimen for a confirmation. :sweat:

[Elbowed Pierrot]

great job, Horace

[horace2264]

great job, Horace

Thanks, Simon. :) This one is just a chanced encounter, I didn't do much at all. It would be wonderful if we could see this species again, and have the chance to do the necessary work for it to be officially added to the checklist.

[Silverstreak]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[horace2264]

Thanks, Sunny. :)

[atronox]

Great find.:grin2: