Skipper, Skipper, what are you??

[bluefin]

Took 2 shots of this skipper B4 it decided to swizzzzzh off. Did not manage to get a side profile shot.
Is it possible to ID it without a side profile?


Would appreciate some assistance .

[Psyche]

I would think your pic 1 is sufficently a side profile view.

On the underside, if the overlaps between postdiscal spot 3 and spot 4 is less than half of the upper margin of spot 3, it is less likely to be T. augias. (note that spot 1 is bisected by a fold line.) The overlap between spot 3 & 4 is even less on the upperside.

On the hindwing above, the band is extended outwards by a streak of orange into space 6. It is thus less likely to be T. linna.

Well, if it is less likely to be T. augias or T. linna, it is more likely to be T. besta.

Other features in besta's favour are:
1. There is more of the dark area in front of spot 2 & 3.
2. There is more of the dark area behind (distad) of spot 2.

I am not sure if these 2 features are consistent. If they are, then they would be very useful in future ID.

TL Seow

[bluefin]

Seow, Thanks again for the detailed analytic description of IDing the skipper.