Chiang Dao NS, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Riodininae
Sub-Family : Nemeobiinae
Genus : Abisara
Species : Abisara abnormis
This is a rare species that is only found in a few locations in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. It is a small-medium size butterfly with a wingspan of 40-48mm. There is little difference between the sexes but the female is slightly paler in colour than the male. Habitat is sheltered forest locations with plenty of shade where they 'hop' from one plant to another in a short bouncy flight. Like other Riodininae species, when it lands on vegetation it usually has its wings half open at 45 degrees, making it difficult to take a decent photograph of the upper wings. When mud puddling it closes its wings like most other species.
The larval foodplants are believed to be Maesa sp. (Primulaceae) , a genus of vines, shrubs, and trees up to 12m tall. Unfortunately I know of no research into the lifecycle of this little beauty and therefore have no further information on this.
All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects in wild situations.
Loading contexts...
