Ypthima akbar or Y. watsoni

[DaveChiangMai]

Photographed at Chiang Dao, n. Thailand yesterday.

This should be either Y. akbar or Y. watsoni. But which?

Usually on images of akbar the hindwing ocelli are absent and there are two fairly prominent discal and post discal bands, lacking on this individual.

The fairly even size of the apical spot and spot 2 could refer to either, but rules out Y. confusa.

Thoughts appreciated. My leaning is toward Y. akbar, though the prominent ocelli I have not seen before.

25396

[Psyche]

I think you are confusing the HW apical spot with the FW spot.

Ignoring the FW spot.
Uemura states in Y. confusa HW apical spot (ie spot 6 (in space 6))is much larger than spot 2 ( spot in space 2).
The 3rd spot is in space 1b.
HW without a dark fascia.
https://www.thaibutterflies.com/Butterflies/the-confused-threering%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B 8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%95% E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94%E0%B8 %95%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2/
https://wingscales.com/nymphalidae/Ypthima-confusa

Y. watsoni: HW apical spot variably larger than spot 2 or about equal. HW with a dark discal fascia.
Fig 4, a, b&c dsf.
https://archive.org/stream/lepidopteraindic02moor#page/n188/mode/1up
http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/collection-specimens/resource/05ff2255-c38a-40c9-b657-4ccb55ab2feb?view_id=6ba121d1-da26-4ee1-81fa-7da11e68f68e&filters=family%3Anymphalidae

Y. akbar ;HW with dark faciae, no or vestigial spots.
http://www.samuibutterflies.com/02_images/travels/satyrinae/ypthimaakbar.v.jpg

It should be Ypthima watsoni.

TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks. Very clear.

[David Chan]

Dear Dr Seow,

Could this be a Y. akbar? I shot it at Chiang Doi over a year ago but could not ID it. Thanks.

25419

Best regards,
David Chan

[Psyche]

Post 4.
Yes it looks the same as Ypthima akbar.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[David Chan]

Hi Dr Seow,

Thanks for the pointers above and the confirmation.

Best regards,
David Chan