ID Unknown

[Saffron]

Dear Dr. Seow sir

The following butterflies are very peculiar with the band like pattern in the UnF near apex. First I thought what I photographed in Meghalaya was may be a variation of Baoris sp. But when my friend got the second similar individual from Tripura, we got more confused.

While searching the literature for a match, we found a species named Quedara monteithi whose male somehow matches Baoris unicolor while the female matches Notocrypta paralysos.

So, I am posting here the two pictures, one from Meghalaya and the other from Tripura, India.

We will be grateful if you guide us on the identification of the posted species as well as how to identify the male and female of Quedara monteithi as well.

Thank you in advance.

Cheers:cheers:


1. From Meghalaya


27000



2. From Tripura


27001

[Psyche]

The band like mark on the UnF is due to abrasion of the HW against the FW & is commonly seen in skippers.

Quedara monteithi.
Both sexes can be recognised by the large & bulging labial palp (palpi 2nd segment).
The white band in the female have a right-angle step on the outer margin.
Note the female here have the same abrasive mark on the FW.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Quedara%20monteithi%20monteithi/QMM_male_Federick_Ho_01.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Quedara%20monteithi%20monteithi/june%206%20Quedara%20monteithi%20monteithi%20-%20Ellen%20Tan.JPG





There are two different species here.
1. unknown resembles Caltoris.
Veins are black resembling Matapa saivarna.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/2020/558_73874-209-5faaf2903bf2b-1.jpg

There is a remarkable Caltoris from China C. septentrionalis.
This however have strong black veins.



2. Baoris chapmani Most probably, due to the presence of at least one tiny FW spot 3.
Baoris often loses several spots.
In B. chapmani only two spot 2 & 3 may be present & tiny.
There is a tiny spot 3 just visible above the HW.
The pic here is very similar to B. chapmani.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/2021/981_77720-870-5fec049a4a3e1-1.jpg


TL Seow; Cheers.

[Psyche]

1 is also Baoris .female (rounded FW).
Dark veins are sometimes seen in certain lighting or partly due to wear.

This is very similar to the female (right) of the mating pair below.
Baoris ? oceia P. Malaysia.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qamQjeKIkjA/UtpjK4q1edI/AAAAAAAAMqs/0qbzTbZ41Pc/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG


Since no hyaline spot is visible it is probably female Baoris unicolor.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/2018/791_30520-766-5b3198db35ef2-1.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.