Fast-flying canopy dweller of pristine lowland dipterocarp forests up to mid-elevation. It is an unmistakable butterfly with its falcate forewing and a narrow tail giving it a sickle kite-like appearance, hence its other common name "kite swallowtail". The undersides are of a rich ferruginous ochre brown with a few small white spots on the HW post-discal area. The upperside post-discal area is marked with a series of darker brown spots on both wings. There is only one species in Malaysia.
Habitat indicator
RSP
|
WV
|
PG
|
VF
|
FTR
|
SC
|
LWDF
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LWPF
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LMEF
|
UMN
|
MN
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Frequency observation chart: (S marks the usual
occurences, H marks an unusually high occurence, F for first record)
2014
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Jan
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Feb
|
Mac
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
|
S2(F)
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S2
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2014
|
2015
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Nov
|
Dec
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mac
|
Apr
|
May
|
June
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
S1
|
S1(H)
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Above photos of a newly eclosed male on an open seepage: 11 Apr 2015 @ 12:15
12:55
12:56
Newly eclosed males have a tendency to puddle on the water's edge much like a Lamproptera where they can become quite oblivious to human presence. Their cryptic undersides protect them from view as they tend to look like a dead leaf on the water's edge. Older specimens are canopy dwellers and do not visit seepages to puddle but can be sporadically observed to make quick downward swoops on exposed seepages perhaps for a quick drink. Above photos 05 June 2015
Another male came to puddle on the same spot but unfortunately got spooked by my loud footsteps and it flew off: 20 June 2015 @ 12:59
Consult a male voucher specimen from Site 1:
Fantastic catch!
ReplyDeleteI hope one day to visit your wonderful region!