Malaysian Mycalesis

[DJHiker]

25730

Location: vicinity of Raub, Pahang, Malaysia
Obs. date: 18 Feb. 2019

It always seems a frustrating task: identifying Mycalesis species.
Based on the comments given by Psyche in several threads, I tried to derive a number of more or less deterministic characteristics that might help to id this species:

1. HW indentation (formed the inner margins of the hindwing spots): smooth, not dented and rather shallow
so not likely: M. mineus. M. perseus, M. intermedia, M. perseoides

2. HW dark discal line with several small tooths, tooth at vein 1b not so prominent
so not likely: M. visala, M. perseoides

3. Four lower ocelli almost in-line
so not likely: M. perseus

4. FW ocelli 2 large but not extreme
so not likely: M. intermedia

5. Striae around the ocelli somewhat enhanced
so not likely: M. mineus, M. horsfieldi

6. HW white band not tapering downwards
so not likely: M. igila

I suppose that these are not “hard” criteria and that there are intermediate (and/or dry season) forms. So although the above would seem to rule out all of the species listed above, my best guess based on overall appearance would be M. perseoides or M. visala. But I may be completely wrong and would appreciate your opinion.

Regards,
David

[Psyche]

It is Mycalesis visala. Female has FW spot 2 larger.

Bear in mind interspecies crosses are not rare in nature. This cause minor variations & much confusion.

With fewer species in P.Malaysia, the difficulty is less.

White striae around ocelli not enhanced .
M. mineus.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1wigN6Ig7o/U-jfipP3jUI/AAAAAAAAe7Y/nrENxlTosco/s1600/MM_adult_Loke_02.jpg
M. perseus.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_Fy0gFdRPI/Vg0scmVN6gI/AAAAAAAAj6Y/9iNz7L9ZVRY/s1600/MP_adult_Khew_04.jpg
M. horsfieldii rare ; indentation wide & irregular ;lower 4 spots in line.
https://cdnpt01.viewbug.com/media/mediafiles/2013/06/12/3648907_large.jpg


White striae around ocelli & periphery enhanced.
M. visala. indenation shallow & more regular ;HW dark line irregular .
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr-YTRxLaLI/U9Eyojy0liI/AAAAAAAAeXc/14F7cPny7Xc/s1600/LBBB_adult_01.jpg
M. perseoides; HW indentation deeper ,irregular , jagged; HW dark line with several teeth.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Mycalesis%20perseoides%20perseoides/Mycalesis-perseoides%20-%20Khew.jpg
M. distanti (formerly as M. intermedia distanti ;) FW spot 2 large in wsf; striae enhanced; HW indentation shallow ,variable.; white band upper end angled in.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LbVWVeARQ8/WG5NtmVUJZI/AAAAAAAAcQQ/4fkejSndNuM5xbIYzzOctq8Kxmz4Ti5-wCLcB/s400/DSC_0047.JPG


TL Seow: Cheers.

[DJHiker]

OK, thanks dr. Seow.
In order to check my understanding of these guidelines, another Mycalesis, also seen in the vicinity of Raub (2019-02-19):
https://observation.org/fotonew/1/20668471.jpg
- Striae around ocelli not enhanced.
- Four lower ocelli almost in-line.
- HW Indentation irregular and dented.
- HW dark line hardly visible.
So I conclude M. mineus. Am I right?
Cheers,
David

[Psyche]

Post 3.
Mycalesis mineus.
The striae around the FW ocelli are thin, not enhanced, the HW dark line is very faint which often in mineus.
The indentation is deepest narrowly deepest in the upper 1/3. Note shape of indentation in visala is different from mineus.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1wigN6Ig7o/U-jfipP3jUI/AAAAAAAAe7Y/nrENxlTosco/s1600/MM_adult_Loke_02.jpg

TL Seow:Cheers.

[DJHiker]

Thanks again dr. Seow
Cheers,
David