Chiang Dao Nature Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Family : Papilionidae
Sub-Family : Papilioninae
Species : Papilio clytia clytia

Papilio clytia is a medium to large butterfly with a wingspan of 80-95mm that is distributed widely throughout south and south east Asia. Males of the species are frequently seen 'puddling', imbibing minerals from damp ground. It is a rainforest species and is found between sea level and about 800 metres.
It has evolved several different forms to make it appear unpalatable to insect eating predators. A photo of one of these forms 'papone' which mimics one of the Euploea species can be found in the first comment box below. Different forms are often seen together at the same location.

All my insect pics are single shot and handheld, usually in the wild.

Tags:   animal outdoor butterfly butterflies Lepidoptera insects insect macro nature Common Mime Papilioninae Papilio clytia Papilionidae wildlife Thailand Chiang Dao NS Chiang Mai live insects Butterflies of Thailand ผีเสื้อเชิงลายธรรมดา

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Lamnamkok N.P., Chiang Rai, Thailand

Family : Lycaenidae
Subfamily : Miletinae
Species : Spalgis epius epius

This little lady landed on my finger and I had to take the shot one-handed while she happily feasted on my sweat. Considering that my old hands are not that steady I'm pleased that the shot came out so well.
This tiny butterfly has a wingspan of 20-30mm, the male being the larger. It is an uncommon species that gets its common name from the fact that the pupa is a peculiar shape and resembles a monkey's head. Like other members of the subfamily Miletinae, this species is hemipterophagous, meaning that the caterpillar and adult butterfly both feed exclusively on Hemiptera, or Hemipteran by-products, such as scale insects and mealy bugs. The larvae do not, at any stage of their development, feed on plant material.
Spalgis epius is distributed from Sri Lanka, through parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, and peninsular Malaysia. Other sub-species are found in the Andaman Islands, parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. It is basically a lowland forest species inhabiting rainforest and humid deciduous forest at elevations of up to 500m. They are weak flyers covering only short distances and usually spend most of their time at rest.

All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects.

Thanks to everyone who continue to view, comment, and fav my pics. It really is very much appreciated.

Tags:   butterfly butterflies animal outdoor insects insect Lepidoptera macro nature Lycaenidae Spalgis epius Apefly Miletinae wildlife Chiang Rai live insects Thailand ผีเสื้อดักแด้หัวลิง

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Chiang Dao NS, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Family : Hesperiidae
Sub-Family : Hesperiinae
Species : Ochlodes brahma

This rare skipper is one of those butterflies about which little seems to be known. As the name suggests it is found in the Himalayan region of northen India and in Nepal. As it is also found in the mountains of northern Thailand it would probably be safe to assume that it is also present in some parts of Myanmar although I have found no records.
Skippers are often difficult to identify from closed wing photographs but luckily this individual opened its wings briefly and I was able to get a record shot of its upperwings to confirm the ID. It is not always so easy.

Many thanks to all those who continue to View, Comment or Favorite my photos. It is greatly appreciated.

All my insect pics are single shot and handheld, usually in the wild.

Tags:   animal outdoor butterfly butterflies Lepidoptera insects insect macro nature Himalayan Forest Darter Hesperiinae Ochlodes brahma Hesperiidae wildlife Thailand Chiang Dao Chiang Mai live insects Butterflies of Thailand ผีเสื้อบินเร็วป่าหิมาลัย

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Chiang Dao Nature Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Family : Nymphalidae
Sub-Family : Apaturinae
Species : Mimathyma ambica miranda

Sorry about the litter. The only place I saw one of these was on this small rubbish dump behind a wooden hut. Too beautiful to miss just because of a few bits of refuse.

Tags:   butterflies insects macro nature Lepidoptera Indian Purple Emperor Mimathyma ambica Nymphalidae wildlife Chiang Mai Thailand ผีเสื้อเจ้าชายม่วง insect outdoor butterfly animal live insects Chiang Dao Apaturinae Butterflies of Thailand

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Lamnamkok NP, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Family : Hesperiidae
Sub-Family : Pyrginae
Species : Tagiades litigiosa litigiosa

Found from India & Sri Lanka, through Myanmar, to Thailand and northern Malaysia. This fast flying species is found in rainforest and humid deciduous forest at elevations around 200-1000 metres. Males spend much of their time hiding under the leaves of trees and bushes, periodically darting out to intercept passing butterflies in the expectation of finding a receptive female. Both sexes frequently nectar at the flowers of various bushes and trees. The larval foodplant is Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae ).

All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects.

Tags:   butterfly butterflies animal outdoor insects insect Lepidoptera macro nature Hesperiidae Tagiades litigiosa Water Snow Flat Pyrginae wildlife Lamnamkok NP Chiang Rai live insects Thailand ผีเสื้อป้ายขาวลำธาร

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