Allotinus unicolor unicolor
Lesser Darkwing
Family: | Lycaenidae |
Subfamily: | Miletinae |
Genus | Allotinus |
Species: | unicolor |
Subspecies: | unicolor |
Common Name: | Lesser Darkwing |
Life History: | partial |
Extant in countries: | •Thailand •Malaysia •Singapore |
Description
The butterfly is reddish brown on the upperside with a variable underside. Typically, the undersides are greyish brown with darker brown markings. The males have a more pointed forewing than the females, and possess a brand on the upperside of the forewings. The females have their hindwings dentately sinuate, as is seen in this photo.
Habitat & Habits
The butterfly has a weak and erratic flight and appear to fly non-stop for several minutes around a limited area. However, when it does stop to rest on a leaf, usually with its wings folded upright, the careful observer can approach it for a closer look without scaring it into flight.
Other Observations
Occasionally several individuals are observed in a particular location in the nature reserves, only to disappear for several years and not seen again. Then it appears in some other location in numbers again.
Early Stages
This species belongs to a genus of butterflies in which the caterpillar stage is "carnivorous". The caterpillars of Allotinus unicolor unicolor feed mainly on aphids but also sometimes on coccids, psyllids and membracids.
Further Reading
To be detailed.