Differentiation of Neptis clinia and Neptis nata

[DaveChiangMai]

Reviewing Neptis photos I think I may have some N. clinia and N. nata confused. Though looking at other images there is a lot of variation and seems difficult to find a reliable feature on which to separate them. Below are three sets of upper and lower side images of three individuals which I have tentatively identified. Comments on the ID and how to differentiate them appreciated please.

Image 1 and 2 - Clear Sailor N. clinia from west Thailand.
Image 3 and 4 - Neptis nata from southeast Thailand.
Image 5 and 6 - Neptic nata from northern central Thailand.

Image 1. N. clinia
24824

Image 2. N. clinia
24825

Image 3. N. nata
24826

Image 4. N. nata
24827

Image 5. N. nata
24828

Image 6. N. nata
24829

[Psyche]

They are all Neptis nata.
Undersides are difficult to separate.


Neptis clinia.
1 FW cell bar & cellend triangular spot close, the gap often with some pale shading.
2. HW lower margin of discal band almost always with a small triangular white patch (forming part of band) at the base of space 3.
3. Submarginal spots generally less complete & usually fall short of reaching the FW costa.
http://m4.i.pbase.com/u46/mr_t/upload/29374404.Crop_DSCF1607.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut89fmb0uHM/VFOWxTyFGVI/AAAAAAAAQXU/MM8JPq8q1Bw/s1600/HFH_4667-Neptis-clinia-susruta.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxljvucrPKk/UptLG16zLzI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/KEAYsaM5Z7E/s1600/HFH9389+Neptis+clinia+susruta+(The+Clear+Sailor).j pg
https://wingscales.com/content/record/420-1-d70cf.jpg

Neptis nata.
1. FW cell bar & cellend triangular spot well-separated by a wide gap.
2. HW lower margin of band rarely with a small triangular white spot at the base of space 3.
3. Submarginal spots more complete & usually reach the FW costa (except extreme forms with reduced markings.)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgn6KT5bAPk/VFY1neSKANI/AAAAAAAAQbA/2CGXlvzq8Vo/s1600/HFH5022%2BNeptis%2Bnata%2Badipala.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0EK80AsaR7g/S_cqTmkHw-I/AAAAAAAAC10/RcmtEVoO2ig/s1600/DSC0348+Neptis+nata+gononata.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgn6KT5bAPk/VFY1neSKANI/AAAAAAAAQbA/2CGXlvzq8Vo/s1600/HFH5022%2BNeptis%2Bnata%2Badipala.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/430/17926726694_0a61bbfed8_b.jpg

TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks. I will revisit my photos!

[Psyche]

There is a mixed-up with the common names which adds to the confusion.

N. nata is the Clear Sailor/sailer & N. clinia is the Sullied Sailor/Sailer.
http://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/NeptisNata/NeptisNata_SajiKandoth_af110.jpg
http://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/2016/97_15078-797-581ec13aaf858-1.jpg

TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Thanks. Yes I'd noticed this across the web. Have to work with the scientific names for clarity.