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View Full Version : Rapala varuna - confirmation of ID



DaveChiangMai
27-Nov-2018, 09:56 PM
A Rapala sp photographed at Khao Ang Rue Nai WS, se Thailand. To me this looks most like R. varuna, as the discal bands are bordered with white above and below. This species is uncommon in Thailand with scattered records, though none specifically from the southeast. The only other possibility might be R. scintilla (also rare in Thailand)?
Comments very welcome please.

25458

Psyche
28-Nov-2018, 12:32 AM
Concur it is Rapala varuna.
The HW postdiscal band & the cellend bar come very close & often touch.The bands are double white edged.
Normally there is a purple wash very strong in the male. It seem some female may not have this purple wash.
Singapore male & female.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Rapala%20varuna%20orseis/indigo%20flash%20-%20Benedict.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmTmOJhE83U/U9ZOcWzgFKI/AAAAAAAAMao/135_VJmM_S0/s1600/bcd3s-S180-IndigoFlash.jpg

R. scintilla. The HW band & cellend bar do not come so close as in varuna.
THe FW band is white-edged only on the outer margin.
The underside is greyish brown with a greenish tinge.
Female.
https://www.thaibutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Rapala-scintilla-1080x675.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

DaveChiangMai
29-Nov-2018, 09:55 AM
Thanks for the confirmation.