Arhopala for ID

[Commander]

Dr Seow, what's this one? Shot in Singapore. There were at least 3-4 individuals skittishly flying around an Ixora bush. Upperside is purple. From what I encountered, all have very thin upperside borders.

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[atronox]

It's either zambra or athada. The crucial area on the forewing is blocked by the hindwing but the spot in space 9 seems less dislocated than usual for athada

[Psyche]

It is Arhopala athada.
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Arhopala_athada_athada#/media/File:ArhopalaAthadaAthadaMUpUn.jpg

A. zambra.
FW spot 9 as broad as spot 6 & costal spot 10 broad & in line with cellend bar.
Upperside with broad border.
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Arhopala_zambra#/media/File:ArhopalaZambraZambraFUpUnAC1.jpg

A. zambra is unknown in Singapore. Old records were misidentified A. athada.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[Commander]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was surprised to see so many of them out and about, cos this was shot at Bukit Panjang Butterfly Garden which is in an HDB urban area! I suppose the close proximity of the Central Catchment reserves has brought it out to an urban garden. :thinking:

[Commander]

Here are two more different individuals shot at the urban garden.

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