Butterfly from Fraser's Hill

[David Chan]

Dear Dr Seow,

I would appreciate if you help to ID this Oakblue shot at Fraser's Hill in May 2017. Thanks.

Best regards,
David ChanIMG_5704v1.1.jpg

[Psyche]

TRhis looks correct as Arhopala avanthina. female.
HW postdiscal band completely dislocated at vein 2; FW cellspots poor & basal one faded out.

This belongs to a group of small tailless species that include A. muta.
A. muta; HW postdiscal band only partially dislocated at vein 2; FW cellspots complete.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/check...blue-TanBJ.jpg
A. kurzi ;HW postdiscal band widely dislocated at vein 2 ;FW cellspots complete.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsUP_6bf3...0/DSC_0683.JPG

A. major belongs to a diiferent subgroup.
FW very convex & rounded.;FW cellspots complete; HW with a slight tooth & postdiscal band only partially dislocated at vein 2.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/check...20Tan%20CP.jpg
TL Seow: Cheers.

[David Chan]

Dear Dr Seow,

Thanks for helping to ID the Oakblue above. Could you please assist to ID these skippers. Is the skipper in 1st photo a Branded Straw Ace (Pithauria marsena)? Thanks.

Best regards,
David Chan

IMG_5367v1.1_Branded Straw Ace (Pithauria marsena).jpg

IMG_5859v1.1.jpg

[Psyche]

They are both P. marsena ,with white spots on the HW.
The other is P. strameinipennis.
https://wingscales.com/content/record/498-1-b4cd7.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

[David Chan]

Thanks, Dr Seow for the ID.

The P. marsena in the 2nd photo has a big bunch of hair at the underside of its thorax. Does the bunch of hair has any functional purpose? Just curious. Thanks.

Best regards,
David Chan

[Psyche]

The hairs arise from the legs and are probably used to disperse scent by the male.
http://img15.deviantart.net/05dd/i/2...ei-d463cxk.jpg

TL Seow: Cheers.