ID request - Penang Botanic Gardens (Jan 5 and Jan 7, 2024)

[SL Liew]

Hi Dr Seow,
Request your kind help to id these butterflies seen at Lily Pond and other parts of Penang Botanic Gardens last week. Thank you.

#1 Amblypodia?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195846793

#2 Adoliadini?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924400

#3 Skipper?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011675

#4 Skipper?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924431

#5 Skipper?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011847

#6 Arhopala?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011989

#7 Arhopala?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011992

#8 Arhopala?
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924429

[Psyche]

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195846793
1. Amblypodia narada.
This is quite blue while A. anita is purplish.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblypodia_narada#/media/File:AmblypodiaNaradaTaooanaMUpUnAC1.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblypodia_anita#/media/File:AmblypodiaAnitaThaiMFUpUnAC1.jpg

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924400
2 Female Euthalia merta.
E. merta is the only species here in which the arrowheads point outwards.
Thailand.
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Euthalia-merta-merta-2.jpg
singapore.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/25252431@N03/18264209841
Possibly ssp milleri Type location Langkawi.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011675
3. Oerane pugnans.(Pemara pugnans.)
Molecular study indicates Pemaara is a synonym of Oerane.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92180001.html

[SL Liew]

Thanks!!!

[Psyche]

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924431

4. Female Isma species uncertain, possibly I. cronus or iapis.

Most Isma species have UnH marked with hyaline spots or obscure dark spots.
In isam cronus UnH is unmarked.
Abdomen is noticeably banded in most Isma.
Antenna usually with a white patch.
Males Isma iapis.
https://a4.pbase.com/o2/25/686825/1/132544830.SZ7JZXwf._LC86858x.jpg
https://inaturalist.nz/observations/144343717


https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011847

5. Probably off-coloured Oerane (Pemara) pugnans.
Note down-turned antennal tips.
Male O. pugnans.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24637301

[Psyche]

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011989
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/196011992
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195924429

6, 7, & 8.
The arrangement of the spots indicate the amphimuta group
with a tooth at vein 2 but no tornal white cilia spot ruling out A. norda & moolaaiana.

The broadly blue FW indicate it is A. amphimuta.
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/344830460/large.jpeg

Typical A. amphimuta have HW 'V' spot with equal arms & the band above it intact not dislocated.
Singapore.
https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/162877399
https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/56520972
However many are not so precise.
https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhopala_amphimuta#/media/Fail:ArhopalaAmphimutaMillerianaMUpUnAC1.jpg

A. major have the HW 'V' spot distorted the band above it distinctly dislocated.
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Arhopala%20major%20major/Arhopala-major-major---2---Tan-C.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Arhopala%20major%20major/Arhopala%20major%20major%20-%20Tan%20CP.jpg


TL Seow:Cheers.

[SL Liew]

Dr Seow, Thanks for all the explanations and ids. Appreciate them very much.